Dear Chief Bowie,
We, the WST membership, would like to know, why you have chosen to remain silent, on the issues raised on this forum, regarding your newly formed company, the Africa Trinidad & Tobago Steelpan Development Company. As die-hard lovers and supporters of our (Trinidad & Tobago) "national instrument", we are disappointed, that not one of your company's representatives, have responded to our concerns and questions, as they relate to the legality and ethics of your clandestine business practices.
We are aware that you have been a WST member since August 15, 2010, and although your company placed ads for employment with your company, you did not notify this WST forum, and, as such, none of us, including those who may live in the Lagos area, were given the opportunity to apply.
https://whensteeltalks.ning.com/profiles/profile/show?id=BowieSonnieBowei189&xg_source=activity
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/AFRICATRINIDAD-TOBAGO-STEELPAN-DEVELOPMENT-COMPANY-137682.S.102915047
We would also like you to respond to the allegations, that Pan Trinbago, is engaging in business practices, that are in violation of our countries laws, and as such, your newly-formed partnership, is an illegal business, as per the "Companies Act" of Trinidad & Tobago. It is obvious, that Pan Trinbago does not respect this WST forum, and has failed to address the membership's concerns, which, is not in keeping with "responsible governance".
We are calling on you, Chief Bowie, to make a public statement, addressing the concerns of this WST forum, of which we trust you are a genuine member, and not just here to spy on those who may be in opposition to your business practices. As the son of George "Sonny" Goddard, I am especially offended, that Pan Trinbago, has decided to go against the very principles upon which the "Association" was founded, as set forth in the "Constitution", which came into being, under my dad's leadership.
I hope that your actions be more intelligent, than those of your business partner, Pan Trinbago, for while you may be in the clear, they have definitely got some legal issues to deal with, and they will have to, for WE THE PAN PEOPLE will hold them accountable, and will pursue ALL legal options, to ensure that they (and you) abide by the laws of our great twin-island nation.
As EVERYONE knows, I am a very "Afrocentric" person, however, I am not willing to see you and your partner, Pan Trinbago, exploit our culture, under the disguise of "promoting pan in Africa", while breaking the law in the process. It was African descendants, in their desperate need to keep their African traditions, who invented the steel drum (pan); as I say: In Africa we invented the talking drum; in Trinidad, we invented the singing drum. The time has come, Chief Bowie, for you to address this WST membership and our concerns. We understand that Pan Trinbago will not, and that is very suspect; like everything they do. This is a selling out of our culrute to corporate greed, and you need to articulate, exactly how this newly-formed company, will benefit the local pan man and pan woman of Trinidad & Tobago. Pan Trinbago has refused my repeated solicitations for a response, and as such, WE THE PAN PEOPLE, are left with no other alternative but to publically address your company. It is with great respect, that this letter is written, and we hope it is received with the same intent.
Respectfully,
George D. Goddard, B.A. Music (Cum Laude)
Activist. Educator. Musician. Panman. Citizen of Trinidad & Tobago. Descendant of Africa.
WST Member: Pan'tum - The Ghost Who Talks. Honoring The Legacy Of George "Sonny" Goddard.
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