Thank you Master of Ceremonies.
Today we meet in circumstance, which are somewhat unfamiliar but not unexpected. When one sets out to raise the bar and introduce a mode of operations, which is intended to engender all-round improvement, one obviously is encouraged by a spirit of optimism.
Pan Trinbago has taken its place in the world new technologies – a situation which carries an attendant cost factor, but which is both apt and necessary.
pantrinbago.tv, was introduced during the run-up to Carnival 2012, and those who would have sought to take advantage of streaming facilities coming out of the Panorama Shows, would have noticed that we were present in that milieu.
Where are we today? Today, we are in the position where, as an association, we have become attractive, marketable, to the extent that partnerships never before envisaged, have been and are being formed, with business enterprises at home and abroad.
There was the time when it appeared that Pan Trinbago was a bad word, but despite the efforts of a few nay-sayers, our stocks have continued to rise. This did not happen accidentally – It was because of a sensible use of resources that exist within the association and those that exist in the general society.
Steelband Panorama is a name which was the subject of discussion between business enterprise and the Steelband Association, with the result that the National Steelband Panorama remains an institution of competitive development.
The Chairman of the Carnival Development Committee in 1963, was a young and enterprising businessman who was the scion of a firm with international connections – L.J. Williams and Sons.
The President of the Steelband Association in 1963 was a fiery forward looking steelbandsman, who represented the membership in a fearless but skilful manner.
These were the two gentlemen who agreed on this great name for a great competition and had the membership agree on its acceptance.Over the years this competition has developed tremendously and with it came the obvious development of the instrument, the music and the performer.
Ladies and gentlemen, so very often we hear some people speaking in negative terms about competitiveness, but experience has shown and continues to show that competition espouses progress, it espouses improvement in quality, it espouses excellence in achievement.
Very early in the life of the pan man, the value of competition was discovered and so it was that over the last two years development of the Panorama product took a new turn, unobstrusively maybe, but significant.
Today we are having the Presentation of Prizes to the Winners of the first Peoples Choice Competition done by modern technological means – Texting. This competition was sponsored by FCL Financial Limited – a firm led by Daniel Lambert, who has been working closely with the association.
In 2012, the Central Executive decided that in keeping with the new thrust, that a new concept be introduced into the National Steelband Panorama Semi-Final leg of the competition.
We recognised that the term Savannah Party was pregnant with possibilities. It would be fool-hardy therefore to allow beneficial opportunities to escape our grasp. Again, putting our heads together with good business resource, we developed on a platform that existed and produced the ‘Greens’ with a Food Court and other facilities for the patronage of those persons who wanted a Panorama experience with a difference, but at the same time satisfying the purists, those whose main concern was, the delights served up by the competing steelbands.
Steelband Panorama 2012 was indeed a success.
It is our intentions to hold a review with all our stake-holders very soon.
We have been encouraged by the comments of those who have taken the time to congratulate Pan Trinbago in its enterprise and practice.
Is it appropriate at this time to share some information about non-Panorama matters? I hesitate, but here goes.
A few days ago, Pan Trinbago entered into an agreement with three parties – The Trinidad and Tobago Nigeria Chamber, the FCL Financial Limited and the Xcell Steelpan Communicaion Company Limited of Nigeria.
This company was formed for the purpose of producing and selling Steelpans throughout Africa, with emphasis on schools, where the use of steelpans in schools in Nigeria and South Africa is already taking root.
This is a venture which provides much in respect of returns.
At another time more will be shared with the membership – You will remember that at our last Annual General Meeting, Mrs. Ladi Franklin – Co-Chair of the Trinidad and Tobago/Nigeria addressed the meeting and told us of the possibilities present in Nigeria and Africa.
I am very satisfied that we at Pan Trinbago are doing all those things that are required for further development.
The staff at Pan Trinbago, all of them, played their part and continued to do so. Some members of staff stand out by the quality of work done, so too some members of our executive, but in the final analysis the Central Executive and Staff must be commended for their sterling efforts during the entire Carnival period.
Finally, it would be remiss of me were I to neglect to offer sincere thanks to the media, who gave to our efforts commendable exposure, and more than that to offer sincere thanks to F.C.L Financial Limited, the company who gave great support to the Panorama effort.
Thank you and may God continue to bless us all.
Replies
RE: "It is our intentions to hold a review with all our stake-holders very soon."
Is Pan Trinbago a "for profit" organization? Isn't it supposed to be a "workers' union"; one that answers to its membership, and not to "stakeholders". One that does not seek its own financial profits, but the improvement of "work" conditions of its members? In my opinion, Pan Trinbago's failures are the result of improper functioning, and if it is a "for-profit" corporation, then it needs to end its claim as a "non-profit" association, which is EXACTLY what it was originally formed to function as. PAN TRINBAGO needs to answer ONLY to its membership, and not "stake-holders". BTW - Who are they?
I am glad to see, though, that we are opening our arms to the African continent, and I think that it's about time that we target those in the African diaspora, as much as we have targeted other "non-Black" countries, in promoting our instrument. After all, Africa has more to do with our "pan culture", than any other place on the planet! Ase. GHOST.
Some of the statements made by Pantrinbago President were true. But he should be looking at the bigger picture of marketing the finish product. This year Pantrinbago produced the worst Video ever for a Panorama Finals, it was horrible. Most of the shots of the Steelbands were not done professionally. I think going ahead they should use another Video Company who knows how to capture the essence of the Steelband's performances.
Yo Val, that DVD is a joke. The audio is mediocre and very noisey. The camera work is amateurish. The HD stream on the night of the panorama seem to be a much better quality. Pan Trinbago should ask for a refund on behalf of the panmen. Anyone selling this DVD should get licks. This is unacceptable in 2013.
bugs
Hey Velley, I haven't checked it out as yet, and I do agree that a quality product, helps in giving the pan industry a credible, professional image, however, I fail to see how a better-quality video, helps in putting money into the pockets of the local Panorama performer, when they have ZERO performance rights to ANY royalties from recordings. Seems to me, regardless of the quality of the recordings, the "quality of life" for the masses of pan players in Trinidad & Tobago, remain the same. I say STOP ALL RECORDINGS, until the royalty issue is addressed, and the exploitation of the local panman and panwoman, is finally put to rest. GHOST.
Ghost check-out 12.3 , Maybe something is going on that we or the band don't know about.
https://whensteeltalks.ning.com/page/trinidad-tobago-national-panora...
12. Recordings
12.1 Right to Make Recordings - The organization whether by its agents or consignees, shall have the right to record on audio, video or other medium the performances of a performer or a band of performers during any phase of the competition and to utilize such recording for such purposes as it deems appropriate.
12.2 Consent to Recordings - The subscribing to this document of a signature of any person duly authorized to act on behalf of a steelband shall be deemed sufficient consent by that member steelband to the recording of its performance at the competition by the organization for the purpose stated at 12.1 hereof.
12.3 Share in Revenues - Where the organization proposes to offer the said recordings or any of them for sale to third parties, the organization shall enter into negotiations with each performer or steelband whose performance is captured on the particular recording prior to such sale to determine the quantum of remuneration to be remitted to them out of the profits realized from the said sale.