If we are hosting the 2nd edition of ICP do you think we will have the Steel Band Headquarters completed before the arrival of the first Foreign Steel Orchestra.
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If we are hosting the 2nd edition of ICP do you think we will have the Steel Band Headquarters completed before the arrival of the first Foreign Steel Orchestra.
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We must introduce transparency, accountability and frequent audits into the steelband movement. Yes, the Whole movement .
Patrick: Just for you!!!
It was under the tenure of former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday that Pan Trinbago received the instruments of ownership for the parcel of land valued at some $9 million. The land for the headquarters was handed over by the United National Congress (UNC) in 2001 and construction on the three-storey building began in 2002. It was estimated that approximately $4 million was spent on the project.
Panday had agreed that the State was prepared to bear the cost to construct the headquarters. However, the People’s National Movement (PNM) administration handed over the project to the Urban Development Company of T&T (Udecott) for completion after claims of mishandling of funding surfaced and legal issues. Construction was expected to resume in June 2007, according to former minister, Joan Yuille-Williams but to date it remains at a standstill.
The site for the new headquarters comprises 11.5 acres off the Churchill Roosevelt Highway, Tacarigua, between the Orange Grove Road traffic lights and the Trincity Mall. UDeCOTT was tasked with completing the existing 20,598 sq. ft. three-storey, steel-framed building and related infrastructure structure.
The distinctive Pan Motif Roof Design will distinguish the building from other architecture in the area and identify it as the home of the steelpan. The facility will also include office accommodation for the employees of Pan Trinbago. There will also be a Conference Hall, Pan Demonstration Area, Pan Craft Accessory Display Area and Pan Info-internet Service and Library. The building’s unique design and dynamic functions will inspire pride in the musical prestige of the steelpan and pay homage to the national heritage.
The structure, estimated to cost $7.5 million, was to be constructed with funds from the Trinidad Tesoro Fraud Settlement Account.
Later, Minister Winston Peters described the skeletal structure as a “white elephant,” stating that Pan Trinbago had been constructing this headquarters since God knows when. They got the land for free; they got funding to complete and still it is not finished. We have to take a critical look at these entities because whilst the headquarters cannot be completed the executive lives high on the hog. Something inside there is amiss.
I just cannot understand for the life of me, that an organisation in existence for so long, receive millions annually and still cannot generate money on their own. This has to stop! They cannot be dependent on the Government for everything. We have to take a critical look at what is happening with these interest groups ... continued Mr. Peters.
"High on the hog," that was then, now is ah Elephant!
patrick, I wouldn't loose any sleep over ALL the money that was allocated to that building in the past, our concern has to be about what happens from now.
Earl, I would think if we have a change of Management I am sure the Steel Band Headquarters would be the number one Priority since it was not a Big Deal with the present Administration.