Fire completely destroyed the Flabej Steelband, Panyard and Panschool at the corner of Park and Abercromby Streets, Port of Spain around 2.00am on May 1st 2014.
It is believed that the origins of the fire was an electrical fault.
The school has been in existence for the past 20 years teaching students ages 11 to 20 years.
Flabej is contracted to perform in Martnique in July 2014, says the founder/leader John "Poison" Douglas, who previously led the Trinidad All Stars and served as a member of the Northern Region of Pan Trinbago in the 90's, and is still currently serving the Northern Region of Pan Trinbago.
Flabej also participated in 2014 Panorama competition.
In speaking with the New Visionaries Pan Foundation yesterday, who was among the first to be on the scene and witness the damage first hand, Douglas’s remarks were, “the band lost all its instruments, some of which are the G Pans, including two drum sets, one was brand new”.
The band also worked very closely with students of the Moulton Hall Methodist Primary School.
Flabej will welcome any assistance, and we call on Pan Trinbago and the entire Pan fraternity to assist the band in this time of need.
The New Visionaries Pan Foundation, in view of this Pan tragedy, recommends that all Steelbands strongly consider insuring their Panyard and Instruments.
Replies
All inquires about assistance and donations can be made to Mr John Douglas - 868 788 4648.
This is definitely a loss and we plan on reaching out. Please post a contact phone number, email or ways the public can contribute. Thank you.
Where is Pan Trinbago??? Their offices are 4 blocks down.
We should come together and do something to help my fellow members.
You never know when you would need that "blessed insurance" that is an excellent idea.
This is an opportunity for all to support Flabej Steelband, pan people, steelbands, Pan Trinbago, New Visonaries, in adversity all people come together.