Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts
Levels 8 -10, Tower C, Phone: (868) 624-1403
International Waterfront Complex, Fax: (868) 624-6737
1A Wrightson Road, Port of Spain,
Trinidad and Tobago
17 August 2021
Minister Mitchell: Despers Pan Theatre to create numerous economic benefits
Desperadoes Steel Orchestra's new home in Port of Spain offers additional opportunities to showcase Trinidad and Tobago's rich culture while generating foreign exchange when tourists visit the capital city.
The Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Senator the Honourable Randall Mitchell, told the Official Sod-Turning Ceremony for the band's new pan theatre that the space will become one of the new attractions in Port-of-Spain for visitors and locals to experience this country's unique culture.
Desperadoes Steel Orchestra's new home is located at Nelson Street, Port-of-Spain and will cost $14,020,409.89. The band moved from Laventille to downtown Port of Spain in 2015 because of space and safety concerns. Currently, the band's panyard is located at the former site of the National Printery on Tragarete Road, Port of Spain.
The new pan theatre will provide a first-class urban facility and performance space and is part of the Government's plan to redevelop Port of Spain. It will be on par with tourist attractions in other destinations and includes standard amenities such as washrooms, parking facilities, performance spaces, commercial/entertainment areas, and covered spectator stands.
"It gives tourists, visitors and our locals a chance to immerse themselves deep into the history of the steelpan, witness its creations and lose themselves in the melody," Minister Mitchell said.
In highlighting the numerous benefits of the Pan Theatre, Minister Mitchell told the audience that included Prime Minister Dr the Honourable Keith Rowley, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Honourable Stuart Young, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister — Communications, the Honourable Symon de Nobriga and Member of Parliament for Port of Spain South, the Honourable Keith Scotland, that each time a cruise ship docks in the port of Port of Spain, "...that's 3,000 opportunities to welcome each and every one of them, earning some foreign exchange into the pan facility."
He said it is the Ministry's intention "to expand our options and attractions for our visitors, especially our cruise visitors. We are more than Maracas Beach and the Botanical Gardens. We wish to give our visitors an opportunity to experience our very rich culture and heritage."
The Pan Theatre will transform the urban site into a facility that reflects and celebrates traditional steelpan making and playing while improving the safety of its users. Through spectator seating stands, performance venues, and gift shops, it is expected to broaden and increase the tourist experience and understanding of the steelpan.
Minister Mitchell said it creates "limitless earning potential and possibilities through sustainable business models. It is my hope for Despers that you all understand and seize these opportunities... it is my hope that the pandemic has allowed us and given us ample time to reflect and to establish our confidence that our culture is the richest in this region and it is now time to reap what our ancestors have sown."
Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, also called Despers, is one of Trinidad and Tobago's leading and most successful steel orchestras, having secured its 12th National Panorama title in 2020, the most by any band. The band, which was formed in 1947, is also the current reigning national champion.
Replies
Rowley take a man who has a disdain for the PAN WORLD and sees them as SCAMPS and GIMME GIMME HUSTLERS and put him in as MINISTER OF PAN CULTURE.
Like Martin Daly is the only man who could see through this whole charade ... and who bold enough to TELL IT LIKE IT IS.
Others cannot rock the boat because they have to stay on the GOOD SIDE OF THE GIMME GIMME.
Yeh!!! 3000 tourists will come and pour MILLIONS into this NEW PAN YARD. DESPERS will make so much money they will be able to give back the FOURTEEN MILLION to the PNM GOVERNMENT ....
"The remarks of Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Randall Mitchell at the sod-turning ceremony illustrate the reason for lack of confidence that the performing arts will be competently, or even respectfully, positioned to take the economy forward. They demonstrate a lack of vision where culture, cultural export and tourism are concerned."