Earl Brooks
A pan radio station and the lack of pan music on local radio stations were the highlights of the inaugural meeting of the revived Pan Lovers Movement (PLM). Last Sunday, a well-attended meeting breathed new life into the movement with brilliant ideas, that if implemented could take pan to a new level. Held at the driveway of basement Radio 99.9 FM, the Eddie Yearwood-led movement, with Ian Clarke as interim secretary, unfurled its aims and objectives at the Maraval Road, Port-of-Spain location. Attendees heard stirring contributions from some of pan’s famous sons.
The eloquent Ray Holman called for more pan on the radio. Lamenting that pan wasn’t given its pride of place, he called for pan music to be made radio-friendly and also called on panmen to “examine themselves,” and “buck up.” “Without radio,” Holman said, “pan will die a slow and painful death.” Pan scientist, Dr Brian Copeland, and sidekick, Keith Maynard of the PH1 pan fame, were in the house.
Dr Copeland made the bold statement that in five years time, “T&T will not be the epicentre of pan tuning.”
He lamented that tuners were dying faster than a speeding bullet, and their replacements were not so quickly forthcoming. Pan educator/judge and entrepreneur, Junior Howell, told pan lovers that pan people should get on the business train, which was moving with billions of dollars to be enjoyed if they capitalised on opportunities provided by the pan.
Just back from France where he was honoured for the powder coating of pans, Junior displayed a trophy and certificate as proof of his achievement. “Wake up and smell the roses,” Howell urged panmen. Garth Nicholas, who employs panmen on cruise ships, urged panmen to “improve on their conduct.” Also contributing were Judy Arthur, Kenneth Guppy, Beresford Hunte, Cecil “Jimo” James, Errol Skerrit, Ian Clarke and Peter Aleong. Several of pan’s top personalities were in attendance, with Johann Chuckaree, Earl Brooks, and Desmond “Yankee” Bell being among them. Those who missed the meeting sent their best wishes. Audio engineers Yoichi Watanabe and Katsunari Imai recorded proceedings. Also in the house was DJ Mr Muzik. Baba Erin Folami opened the meeting with an invocation and closed off with prayers.
The next meeting is carded for May 15 at 2 pm at the same venue.
Topics Discussed
• Pan in school
• Pan men’s conduct
• Pan radio station
• Pan tuners dying
• Business of pan
• Radio pan friendly music
• Panmen health plan
• Lack of pan music on radio
• Pan is a dirty word
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