My position has always been clear on vaccination.
I have received sixteen (16) vaccines between 2004 and 2012, inclusive of two three (3) shots/jabs full courses, and a few flu shots.
Retroactively, the evidence suggests that vaccines work. When I entered primary school in the 60s, admission was not contingent on mandatory immunization. Reactively, smallpox vaccines were mandatorily administered. Next was immunization for Typhoid Fever, as that disease spread rapidly in 1971. The only death recorded was that of my childhood friend and neighbor in Sangre Grande.
On the heels of Typhoid came Polio, peaking in early 1972, causing the postponement of carnival, and the unseasonal closure of schools. Many infants and young children died. Survivors live to this day with the paralysis by which they can be identified. School herded children to the hospitals and health centers to receive mandatory oral Polio vaccines. The lines were long and winding in the hot dry season sun. We didn’t mind, the pink syrup was sweet, and we got to take home the little white plastic spoons, a luxury, and extremely rare item for rural children in the 70s.
For the rest of the twentieth century, and to this day, the aforementioned diseases have been eradicated locally. Empirical evidence of the fact that vaccines work.
In 1972, the ICT age was a distant dream. The flood of information streams available to those who may experience some challenges collating, analyzing and processing information were nonexistent. There were fewer opportunities to be fooled into believing what was not true, and more evidence to believe what was true.
I have publicly stated in STEELBAND SUSTAINABILITY AND SURVIVAL IN THE POST PANDEMIC ERA, “I suspect that attendance at public events in the foreseeable future may be hinged on attendees’ ability to demonstrate immunization for, or negativity to, the COVID 19 virus and variants. How could this impact steelbands, and what mitigation is being considered? The leadership of the movement must take a stand on vaccination. Traditional income streams of steelbands are usually events of mass gatherings, steelbands cannot survive sustainably performing in a bubble. Available data suggests that steelbands cannot survive on recording sales and/or royalties at present. The likelihood of events attracting mass gatherings occurring anytime soon is remote. Consider the status of the quadrennial summer olympic game! The leadership of the movement must act swiftly and decisively.”
The IOC is not insolvent, and would earn significantly from TV rights and sponsorship in the absence of spectators. Pantrinbago and steelbands cannot afford that luxury?
The incumbent did not act decisively. I refuse to believe that senior citizens in national leadership roles i.e. the president, secretary and treasurer, unquestionably all over 60 (the lowest age for walk in vaccine recipients), were not vaccinated without the prodding of government ministers. It is inconceivable to believe that it was the minister of culture who was responsible for getting Pantrinbago organized to advocate vaccination. It is disheartening to learn from Pantrinbago that It is the minister of health who is planning to vaccinate the entire steel band community. IRRESPONSIBLE! Panorama is Pantrinbago’s and Steelbands biggest payday. Gate receipts from Panorama semi finals has forever been touted as Pantrinbago’s single biggest income stream outside of government subvention. It is absolutely necessary, and in the best interest of the steel band movement to encourage vaccination. Pantrinbago should be ashamed for not publicly taking a stand “for” vaccination unilaterally, in the interest of the survival and sustainability of steel bands in the post pandemic era.
Replies
As The inimitable David Rudder put it in his classic "SMILING EYES OF STEEL", it is with a heavy heart that I say again, "Farewell mighty warrior. Thanks for the memories, thanks for the joy..."
I am satisfied with your honest academic response Mr. Rampersad. You have once again made a sterling contribution in the promotion of the steelpan globally, by sharing valued thoughts from your productive mind.
I too saw the value in downsizing when I wrote in the discussion
STEELBAND SUSTAINABILITY AND SURVIVAL IN THE POST PANDEMIC ERA.
" I would not discourage the emergence of professional ensembles from the nucleus of established band, within a manageable framework. This could provide marketable options to maximize a band’s revenue earning capacity outside of carnival time."
Thank you for keeping this discussion alive sir, as it's value to the promotion of the history and culture of the Steelband globally may be underestimated.
The Oxford dictionary describes opinion as; "your feelings or thoughts about someone or something, rather than a fact".
I respect and value Mr. Rampersad's opinion.
I hope that the steelband community sees the value in my contribution.
If Mr. Rampersad cannot appreciate the value of vaccination to the livelihood of Pannists, and the survival and sustainability of steelbands in Trinidad and Tobago, it is regrettable.
It is his prerogative not to read what I contribute.
It is his right to reply!
It is the right of steelband leaders to encourage their memberships to vaccinate, or to choose not to vaccinate.
Responsible leaders should have the capacity to accept the consequences of their actions, even if that means their inability to maximize on income earning opportunities, that have been negatively impacted as a result of the global pandemic.
What is your position on vaccination George Rampersad?
As a practitioner, and someone who advocates his love for the art form, what is the one thing that you would be inclined to suggest that carnival stakeholders do, to ensure that the festival comes off in 2022?
Sense make before Mr. Rampersad. I tend to use de ting dey take to make book more these days. Peace.
As a panman, I think my question about people’s opinions of vaccines on a website designed to promote the history and culture of the steelband globally was relevant.
I do not disrespect the value of anyone’s contribution.
I do not think that vaccination of panman/women is, in itself, a topic of “special” interest as we are all part of the general population and, as such, will all benefit if we were lucky enough to be vaccinated.
If people choose not to be vaccinated we must respect their choice, even though we might choose otherwise.
As a former aircraft mechanic, and one who knows how parachutes work, I will say this: If you are in an aircraft that was possibly going to crash, and you were offered a parachute, I would say “Take it” - even though there is a risk that it might not open. As the old people say: “Better safe than sorry”. In my humble opinion, it is the same with taking the vaccine: “Better safe than sorry”.
As to the question about the one thing I would be inclined to suggest to carnival stakeholders to ensure that the festival comes off in 2022: “Don’t bank on there being a Carnival in 2022”. Most of the stakeholders are not directly involved with pan.
What I would say to my fellow panmen/women is this: The market for the “product” big steelbands are “selling” is very small…and getting smaller. Maybe it is time to explore other avenues – think outside the “box” – because waiting on government handouts/stipends/appearance fees is a dead-end road.
Pan is just another instrument like the guitar/saxophone/violin. It cannot play itself. The magic starts when the panman/woman starts to play. If you play pan, you must understand this – respect yourself and people will respect you. Do not sell yourself cheap. If someone wants you to play they must pay. Your future as a player is not necessarily as a member of a steelband but as a musician playing with other types of instruments.
As to the survival and sustainability of steelbands in Trinidad and Tobago, I do not think large steelbands are sustainable financially. Without “sponsors” most of them would not exist as large entities.
One suggestion would be to “copy” sustainable organizations like businesses/companies: In times of crisis they downsize – adjust their “product” – develop new products – cut costs.
Ideas: 5- piece or 6-piecee bands – broad repertoires – players double as singers and percussionists – bands with a small sound system/microphones – duos – trios – individual home tutoring of students by competent players…there are more…
Have a pleasant day and keep safe.
Quote from the main page of When Steel Talks:
"When Steel Talks is dedicated to Pan worldwide. It is an initiative designed to promote the history and culture of the Steelband globally".
Should we use this forum to express our opinions of vaccines?
Just asking for a friend in Copenhagen...
George: You ask a very interesting question!!! We all know what THIS FORUM is about and what it has accomplished. But sometimes other relevant issues that affect THE WORLD OF PAN or the MEMBERS OF THE FORUM (directly and indirectly) have to be presented.
And I would say that among THE REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS -- most of us feel that once in a while we have the right to raise other issues that have political or social relevance (among other topics).