Trinidad Express Newspapers:
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Prime Minster Kamla Persad-Bissessar played mas yesterday but not with any of the big bands such as Tribe or Harts.
Instead, the Prime Minister decided to play traditional sailor mas with the nation's Panorama Steelband champion—the Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars.
In an interview with TV6 News which aired last night, the Prime Minister said that she decided to play mas with the All Stars because of a previous experience she had playing mas with a steelband and to avoid any controversy regarding the judging of the Parade of the Bands.
"Many years ago I played Monday mas with Starlift and this is the same section I'm advised, so...and they're great champions. I think, I didn't want to go in one of the normal mas bands because I feel it would be controversial they're competing but the pan is our national instrument and I give them that support," the Prime Minister said.
She said she had chosen to play mas with the All Stars before they won the Panorama finals.
Replies
Mr. Lopez I cannot believe you are so petty to even suggest the PM had any influnce on the outcome of the panorama what an insult to the 120 musicians who practised until 2 am Wed. 2:30 am Thur. and 4:am Fri. under drill master Nigel and arrangers Terry and Smooth while you were asleep SHAME SHAME AND MORE SHAME on you
Ah ha, you stepped in it this time, Bede :)
Wonder if she even graced Siparia Deltones with her presence during the season? After all, she is a resident of Siparia. Deltones, please leh we know.
The Prime Minister spent most of Monday with the single pan band "St. James Tripolians", who provided music for a Harvard section in All Stars. She was on their truck for approx. 3 hrs.
I was going to ask, if Renegades or Desperadoes had won if the PRIME MINISTER would have played mas in the band, but she did say that she had already chosen to play mas with All Stars before they won the Panorama finals, HMMMM, I am wondering if that is the reason why All Stars won (something to think about, hmmmm)
Madam Prime Minister Kamla Persaud,,,,do something fuh Pan,twist it or turn it it,s a part of you,,,DO SOMETHING FOR PAN,,,STEELPAN, PANIST,,PANNIST, STEELPAN TUNERS,,, DO SOMETHING FUH PAN,,,,GOD BLESS.,
Good on Ya Madam Prime Minister! If de priest could play who is we??