Trinidad, W.I. -Local artistes will become multi-millionaires under a United National Congress (UNC) government as Kamla Persad-Bissessar pledged yesterday that were she to become prime minister, the first prize for major competitions such as Soca Monarch, Chutney Monarch and Panorama will be increased to $2 million.
....’Today, I pledge to you as well that all the competitions which showcase the talent of our land, whether it be the Chutney Monarch, th Soca Monarch, the Panorama finals, in all these competitions...I pledge to you today, that in true equality and justice, that the first prize for all these competitions will be $2 million for every one of those competitions, and that is how we will rise together; every creed and race, we will rise!’ said Persad-Bissessar as the crowd cheered wildly.
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What is going to happen with the G-Pan......I have heard many an arranger and tuner articulate that while it is a good thing, and a lot of money , research and development.....patents et al....have gone into it.......however that it is not a cost-feasible option for the pan fraternity....too big too costly to put into mass production.......what will be the plan with the National Steel Symphony Orchestra and The National Youth Steel Orchestra......what says thou?
Talking about two million dollar first prize is all well and good as much as peeing into the wind......What will be the Strategic Agenda of the World governing Body....towards overall development....Will the tail be wagging the dog...or the dog wagging its tail?
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For too long panmen have been taken for a ride by politicians ...and this is just another example.Pan Trinbago, by now 2010, should have been more independent so as not to be in a situation where politicians can dangle carrots for you from an election platform to get your vote
.People remember this is a unique art form....it should not be subjected to this kind of mamaguy ! It must be treated with respect.
On the other hand a foreigner can seek citizenship in T&T and after 20 years or less collect old age pension. (What irony)
Million Dollars for some artiste is fine. However, what about my honest mother and all who are in the same position as her.
In the past if you travelled and lived outside you had to wait twenty years before you could get the pension now you have to wait five years before you can apply. It is false information lie to say that a foreigner can just enter Trinidad and get pension. I am always weary of people who spend years outside of Trinidad and return to collect all that they feel they are entitled to
The large bands comprise of 100-plus players and it would be appropriate that they should be the ones who should get that increase. they practice for hours everynight for at least 2 months to perfect their piece, while the other artists who are mostly individuals dont put in a quarter of that time, it would not be fair to the panmen to be given an equal share as the other individual artists. With all due respect to Lady Prime Minister, I think this was said in the heat of the election campaign and was not something she give special thought too.
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