Aquil Arrindell continues to be the number one/most appropriate choice to lead the steelband fraternity post COVID-19. Any successful president though, must of necessity be the leader of a dedicated, competent team (not a pick up side). It is important therefore that Arrindell consider the composition of the team that would be required to ensure that his tenure in office successfully fulfils the mandate of Pantrinbago, while satisfying the demands of its local membership (which may not necessarily align perfectly). There are some names that come to mind that I believe he can build around going forward, Sandra Awai and Marcus Ash are two. Mr. Arrindell must be aware that some of the baggage his charisma, character, experience, education and efficiency may quite likely attract, must advocate and lend their needed unshakable support from their place in the stands, and not on the field of play. They can cheer on the team, but never from the bench. The recycling of national steelband administrative failures must be discontinued. The practice of installing steelband administrators whose primary purpose in offering themselves for office is to further their personal agenda only must be stopped.
The national politics of pan cannot be business as usual. The current pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of some better managed bands in all regions, while decimating outfits that may always have functioned as “parlours”. All of the above mentioned are members, delegates, votes. How will an Aquil Arrindell lead administration balance an active role in the economic revolution required to kickstart the wheels of motion of a large percentage of its membership in these difficult economic times, while tackling similar challenges that have plagued the organization he aspires to lead for the last decade? The foregoing are issues that he must address and articulate up front in an environment where revenue from oil and gas, the bedrock of our economy would continue to decline and disappear. The aspiring president must appreciate if not understand the socioeconomic needs of member steelbands, while considering their geopolitical needs in a polarized fraternity, as steelbands are products of the societies in which they are spawned.
TO BE CONTINUED…
P.S.
Russell Providence is not involved or attached to any campaign, but continues to advocate his independent position as it relates to the instrument of his choice the pan.
Replies
Well said
Daunting indeed, but not insurmountable. This issue cannot be ignored. I would be inclined to suggest to Arrindell that he engage the attention of suitably qualified and experienced professionals in the discipline of finance sympathetic and supportive of his cause, to draft a pragmatic solution/s to present, as identifying problems without suggesting solutions is counterproductive and backward.
It may also be advantageous to Aquil to aggressively advocate and pursue a policy of accountability and transparency going forward. The membership to whom the executive is accountable must be kept informed and updated. general meetings, and annual general meetings and biennial conventions must be convened on time always.
The steelband fraternity is loaded with all the talent, expertise and experience required to streamline the operations of Pantrinbago, and to take the movement forward. Astute, honest competent leadership, and the will and ability of leaders to harness and engage the best talent is absent.
The incumbent administration has failed to address all of the above, and post COVID-19, it cannot be business as usual with recycled failed ideas and suggestions.
A daunting challenge upon which I have been ruminating, myself.