by Sandra L. Blood
A When Steel Talks Exclusive
Trinidad and Tobago - With media reports of murders exceeding “seventy” in forty-seven days to the date of February 18th 2014, the nation continues to receive a perplexing spanking from the minor/criminal elements in society.
The majority of homicides – the most heinous crime – are “gang-related” say the police, putting a spin on turf-war, but it is without say that the just-concluded Panorama semi-final competition for the large-band category proved music, more so, pan, can be a conduit to curb the turf conflict and bloodshed – reduce deviance and hatred, and encourage peace and love.
There was absolutely no “Spankin,” “In de Minor,” even in the face of the Desperadoes Steel Orchestra’s purple gang of panists – guarded by their army of supporters from ‘the hill’ – sharing turf with Renegades’ leaf-green gang of panists, equally guarded by their army of supporters from ‘the Harpe.”
Replies
I can say that some may say how can pan keep people out of trouble. Since I was small all I knew was the pan yard and when most of my friends where getting in trouble or so I would always be out of it. My dad, my self and two others have a band and a jr band all of the children are in school and we have the senior players helping the younger ones. There was a young man before he joined was trouble some now he no longer gets in trouble.
Some of us may have forgotten, but one of the original reasons for panorama was to channel steelband rivalries away from violence and towards musical competition, to which succeeded mightily.
As a matter of fact, it succeeded even better than expected, since it resulted in the steelbands virtually abandoning the streets and being contained in the savannah.
I am of the impression that today's gang violence is less about turf and steelband rivalries, and more about drugs and money, enabled by corruption in high places ..
The only role that today's steelbands can play is to provide a safe and constructive alternative for restless and idle youth, which, thankfully many are doing.
Today, we can proudly say that there is little if any connection between the steelbands and gang related violence.
True that Glenroy, All Trini know the the reason for crime in T&T is corruption in high places, no matter what kind a spin the government try to put on it.
Cecil ..can you send me your email address ...sal_wils@hotmail.com
You too Glenroy
Salah
Hello Salah,
You will be missed next Sunday. Good luck.
If Despers was facing south they were leaving the Savannah to go down Frederick Street? I think you will find Desperadoes were facing west and Renegades were facing east. I know because I played with one of them....
Got Yuh Youtou.
More of this type of writing is always welcome ..great job Miss Blood
Appreciated Salah, thanks.
This is why every large steelband should have a youth band. Use the panyards to keep young people focused.
Nice piece Sandra L. Blood.
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