With the many grandiose plans and ideas about earning and generating wealth via the steel pan and it's art-form , we're overlooking the most important thing.
I've come to realize the any spark or impetus for growth has to come from within T&T , the Mecca of pan , and not from abroad.
As was done in the past when we created the instrument and attracted the attention of the world.
We're the ones who did it , or at least , our elders.
I keep hearing all these predictions of profit from marketing the instrument and the art-form , with no suggestion as to where that market lies, or how it will be created.
After all , steel-pan music is art and not a necessity like food , shelter clothing or energy , so there is no natural market for it ,and one has to be created..
Well , there will be no White Knight to the rescue for our beloved art-form.
Eventually , we will have to figure out a way to do it ourselves.
My main point is this :
Whatever spark , excitement , or activities necessary to promote the growth and popularity of the steel pan and its art form will have to be done in Trinidad , by Trinidadians Then , once we have caught the attention of the entertainment world , progress , even financial rewards should follow.
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Glenroy has THE PERFECT READ on THE SITUATION. The only thing he is missing is that TRINIDAD does not have THE ADMINISTRATIVE TALENT TO MAKE THE GRANDIOSE PLANS HAPPEN. I have been saying that for a DECADE on THIS FORUM and NOBODY has even come close to GETTING OUT OF THE STARTING BLOCKS.
Every SIX MONTHS somebody writes some PIE IN THE SKY ARTICLE about FULFILLING THAT DREAM -- just to write another FLUFF PROPAGANDA ARTICLE two years later. All sentiment and emotion -- as the OLD AMERICANS SAY: All gussied up with NO PLACE TO GO!!!