Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
Former president of the National Gas Company of TT Mark Loquan, right, and Prof Patrick Hosein display their Order of the Republic of TT (ORTT) medals at President’s House, St Ann’s, on September 24, 2024Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Former National Gas Company president and composer of steelpan music Mark Loquan is being remembered as a true patriot.
Loquan, 63, died on April 6, fourteen months after he was diagnosed with brain cancer.
In a statement posted to Facebook, President Christine Kangaloo extended condolences to Loquan’s friends and family.
Kangaloo said, “A true patriot, his selfless dedication to the development of our nation’s energy sector and culture, particularly in the realm of steelpan, has left an indelible mark on our country.”
....He was honoured for his contributions to national service, particularly in energy and steelpan innovation, and accepted the award while seated in a wheelchair.
....More than 30 of his compositions have been performed by winning bands in the Pan is Beautiful competition, small and medium bands in the National Panorama, and primary and secondary school bands in the Junior Panorama.
He was also a co-founder of the Music Literacy Trust, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2004, which has provided music scholarships for young panists, and introduced music education programmes for youth.
During his career he also spread the sound of the national instrument abroad, having served as the musical director of Perth Pandemix, an Australia-based steelband.
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Condolences and sympathies to his and the steelband families. May his departed soul RIP and RIG. 🙏