By Aquil Arrindell
“Through my experience with Hill Toppers steel pan academy, led by Akeel Brown, I was moved to see how the negative elements within the youth of my community underwent positive reformation through music and the institution of pan.” Mr. Roger Monroe, Member of Parliament’s testimony on his experience with the instrument gave me goose bumps. He said, although he missed the opportunity to learn himself, he is delighted that his eldest of three boys is learning the instrument at school. All of this was revealed in an interview after he gave to each steel band in his constituency and neighbouring constituencies, ten hampers. At the end of the process, 100 hampers would have been given to bands to be distributed to the most vulnerable among their members.
I (Aquil Arrindell) have embarked on a mission to visit all steel bands in a bid to ascertain from band leaders what are our organization’s inherent problems and how to fix them. I started this journey at Sangre Grande Cordettes pan yard and I was briefly introduced by Mr. Russell Providence to the MP Roger Monroe. Months later, after MP Mr. Scotland’s impressive hamper distribution where he gave five hampers to each band in his constituency, I decided to call on MPs to ask if it would be possible to help the steel bands in their own areas. I called Mr. Monroe and he was most willing to assist. In a matter of days, he organized 10 hampers for each band in his constituency and a few that were bordering his area as well. Five hampers were given yesterday and the next five to be given out in the coming weeks.
Recently, Mr. Roger Monroe and Mrs. Simone Gill-Joseph’s pictures started circulating on social media as individuals who gave up their salaries to help families of the constituencies they represent. Although their action sets them apart from the rest, Mr Monroe, and many others like him, since the Covid 19 pandemic, in different areas have continuously been helping people without fanfare. Keeping people with food in their bellies and a roof over the heads of families is most important at this time to Mr Monroe. He is determined to see his constituency through this tragic time with the least amount of discomfort as possible to the residents.
As a child, Mr. Monroe moved to Sangre Grande to be with his late grandfather, Mr. Percy Thomas. Cunapo (St. Francis) R.C Primary and then Sangre Grande Educational Institute is where Mr. Monroe got his foundation in education. He is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration. Though he wanted to be a mechanic as a child, he ended up becoming a General Contractor, Building Enhancement and Fabrication and Real Estate. Prior to being an MP for Toco/Sangre Grande, he served as PNM Alderman at Sangre Grande Regional Corporation. Staying grounded over the years of serving caused him to develop relationships with farmers, religious groups, cultural organizations and business. These relationships are the backbone to his continued success as an MP and would be the reason why it is with ease that he can get things done for the constituency.
Based on what is said about Mr. Monroe by people in the community, he is loved by his constituency. And now, based on this act of compassion, he is loved by our steel band community. To me, the best response to kindness is gratitude, so, on behalf of all the bands that benefited from your generosity today, thank you. On behalf of the steel bands nationally, thank you and on behalf of all the steel band in the world thank you, thank you, thank you. We encourage other MPs to help your steel bands and we will definitely be there to make a splash of it.
A special thanks to Mr. Monroe’s management team and his office manager Mr. Cuthbert Pierre who represented in Mr Monroe’s absence. Thanks to the management of Sangre Grande Cordettes steel orchestra for hosting the event and to Mr. Alphion Byron and Mr. Russell Providence for coordinating the event. To Mr. Monroe, you are an extraordinary human being and this country is better off with men like you at the helm.
Stay blessed, stay healthy and stay alive.
Country band lover
Aquil Arrindell
Youtube link https://youtu.be/nODMSwgmQbo
Replies
I am humbled by your generosity Mr. Arrindell.
I want to publicly thank The Member of Parliament for Toco/Sangre Grande Mr. Roger Monroe for his selfless service.
I want to recognize the management of Cordettes for their hospitality, and for looking out for their neighbor bands who may not be as established and consistent as they are, as a result of the common constraints that challenge 99.9% of all steelbands.
I want to commend Aquil Arrindell for his insight. Aquil has again demonstrated his ability to understand to needs of the steelband community by meeting them at their level, and independently initiating action for the benefit of all.
I expect that Aquil's initiative may have a domino effect where all steelbands will benefit.
I continue to have faith in Arrindell's ability to lead from the front.
I want to encourage steelband leaders across the nation to think hard about the choices that have to put in charge of their business. This is 2021, we are still in the grip of a global pandemic, and as I wrote in the discussion,
STEELBAND SUSTAINABILITY AND SURVIVAL IN THE POST PANDEMIC ERA
"In these times of crisis the movement does not need martyrs or lackeys. The movement demands meaningful change, not anticipated continuity or subservient patronage. The movement cannot survive sustainably in its current structure. The movement does not need advice or support from failed, corrupt leaders. The movement needs dinosaurs to be extinct. How will those offering themselves to serve transform the movement from dependency to self sufficiency? The movement needs honest leaders, strong people, individuals with integrity, determined to stamp out nepotism and corruption. The movement needs leaders who are determined to reduce dependency at the top of their agenda, if steelbands are to survive sustainably in the post pandemic era of this 21st century.
I desire only the best for the steelband movement, and the best for others. My expectation is that good sense will prevail.
More than a century ago, the great scientist Louis Pasteur said "Chance favors only the prepared mind." By this, he meant that sudden flashes of insight don't just happen, but are the product of preparation. (wikipedia)
All stakeholders must be vigilant and prepared. "
CORDETTES always had THE SWEETEST SOUNDING PANS IN TRINIDAD. And that little bit ah just hear on this video still sounding sweet.
Aquil: You doing all that work and BEVERLEY sitting down in TOBAGO collecting (THIRTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS A MONTH -- including perks) and doing NOTHING FOR PAN PROGRESS. Maybe you should be the NEXT PRESIDENT OF PAN TRINBAGO with all that ENERGY, PASSION and CARING FOR THE PAN COMMUNITY!!!