I AM TOO PISSED OFF RIGHT NOW TO COMMENT ON THIS INTENDED MOVE! So, I'll let you all comment. I will say this, though; THIS IS THE STEELBAND MOVEMENT'S BIGGEST CHALLENGE OF THE 21ST CENTURY!!!
http://www.tntmirror.com/2012/01/29/ufm-knocks-sale-of-g-pan-to-india
Ghost Who...woke up feeling like Casper, and now feels like Spooky! As a pannist, I really feel disappointed and saddened, right now. Have a safe evening, ALL. Love to ALL my local brothers and sisters! (I wish my dad were alive right now; he would have fought this with his LIFE!!!)
Yours FOREVER In Pan,
George D. Goddard (Pan'tum)
The Ghost Who Talks - Honoring The Legacy Of George "Sonny" Goddard.
And a visitor asked, "What happened to the pannist in Trinidad & Tobago? And the old man answered, "They forgot their history, and so they died." (That old man is me, in the crystal ball.)
Replies
If, as the UFM conjectures, this move may be part of a sinister racist plot to export pan manufacturing to India, then yes, it is truly disgusting. On the other hand, Pan'tum, do you see any conflict between lauding the global spread of pan versus begrudging its spread to India?
Peter
Peter, it is the "ifs" in life that become "risks". Insurance is the protection from "what ifs". WHAT IF? You'd better err on the side of caution, in this case, for what we have to lose, IS TOO VALUABLE! What is that? Answer: Any reference to pan being an "Afro-Trinidadian" contribution. Now, when we look at the time-line (and timing) of current moves by this administration, how can we not be suspect, that this is, not THE PLOT, but a significant piece to the Indian nationalistic puzzle? For example, last year, the United Nation's "International Year of People of African Descent", went ignored by this administration, even though half of her population are of African descent. (And, no, UNC supporters; they are not all PNM!) Now you tell me, do you think that would have been the case if last year was dedicated to East Indians? No way! They would have gone ALL OUT, and EVERY Trinibagonian, who's honest with themselves would know that is a FACT! It as also a known fact, that pan came from (mainly) the "Black" neighborhoods, and that this PM herself (recently), in defense of her visiting "old relatives", stated the importance of our connections with our "Motherlands", toward our success, not just personally, but as a "people". Knowing these two facts, couldn't she have looked to a country in Africa? Also, why did this administration choose two white Canadian police officers, both with very shady records, to deal with "crime" (code for crime done by poor Blacks)? Why do they chose to marry into (mainly) white families? Further, how are they indoctrinated by Hinduism, into the attitudes and mindsets they have against Blacks, in other words, what do their "holy writings" tell them about people who look like me (e.g. the "Untouchables")? For EVERYONE's information, the "lauding the global spread of pan" began over a half-century ago, and did not involve the outsourcing of its manufacturing, the kind of which helped drive many American's out of work. Remember, also, prior to all these recent proposals, the mantra within the East Indian communities became "IS WE TIME NOW!" So, whether it's pushing for the death penalty, making organ donation mandatory by law, or, now this G-Pan issue, EVERY BLACK PERSON IN TRINIDAD & TOBAGO BETTER WAKE UP AND SMELL DE CURRY! For, there certainly seems to be some curry-favoring going around. (Now, that 's where that phase comes from. You learn something new everyday!) Finally, unless we are able to understand the code words used by these Machiavellian students in power, we will continue to misinterpret their motives and actions. Maybe, because I have studied the destruction of certain civilizations, I may recognize them easier than the next person, and that is why I post the information on this forum, even if it may appear to be non-pan related. You ALL will note that the MOST popular posting on WST for over the past week (or so), had NOTHING to do with pan. That proves that we are interested in things outside of pan; things that may be more important to our survival, both as a "race", and as a "country". I hope I answered your question, Peter, but, to sum up: YES, I do think this is a part of a plot, and that it is based on East Indian (especially Hindu) nationalism. Not that I blame them; as someone who has embraced my African culture, I am proof that the PM is accurate in her suggestion of the strong correlation that exists between racial/cultural/religious identity and SUCCESS. That explains the differences in today's societal roles between the indentured laborer that was allowed to keep its culture (national identity, religion, names, foods, etc.), and the chattel slave, whose culture was forcefully taken from him/her. Great question, Peter. Thanks for keeping it constructive, respectful, and relevant.
Ghost.
WOW! Is another betrayal of T&T by its gov't afoot. Time to get serious and stop even the idea of it.
LET'S DO IT!!! (Who's in?)
Was this in the works before Madam PM Kamla went in search of her roots to India? Apple/Microsoft have their stuff made in China.Mass production/Cheap labour.does that ring a bell?
I need to get the full story becuase something is not right..
UFM knocks sale of G Pan to India
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW and leader of the United Free Movement Peter Taylor has expressed concerns about the possibility of the government issuing licenses to manufacture the steel pan in India.
Taylor is also questioning why has the current government been silent on the potential benefits set to accrue to Trinidad and Tobago from manufacture of the G Pan.
“Is it because there is a sinister plan afoot by this UNC-led coalition to have steel pans manufactured in India and then exported to the rest of the world?
“The implication of this is that the hundreds of jobs could be created here will instead be created in India on a massive scale to satisfy the growing demand that will inevitably arise for the steel pan,” Taylor added.
In a press statement, Taylor, a former Minister of Legal Affairs in the former Manning administration, pointed out that another Carnival season is here and thousands will visit our shores to participate in the greatest show on earth.
“But once again, for yet another Carnival, for yet another year, we are yet to put the machinery in place to begin to realise the full income earning potential of the national instrument and the only new musical invention of the 20th century,” he said.
Taylor added that during his tenure as Minister of Legal Affairs (December 2007 to May 2010) he had responsibility for intellectual property and during that period a number of G Pan patent applications were filed in some 66 countries, including the USA, Nigeria Russia, Japan, Israel, Singapore, India and parts of Europe.
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I AM READY TO FIGHT IF NECESSARY! Pan has to become a major export commodity of Trinidad and Tobago, providing employment for the nation's youth.