Steelband possibilities - Fr Clyde Harvey: “....panyards are sacred ground...”

[Pan Times]

Trinidad Express Newspapers

Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Pan Trinbago is currently celebrating Pan Month throughout the country and at the inter-faith service to launch the celebration Fr Clyde Harvey remarked that “panyards are sacred ground and should be used to effectively address the crime situation plaguing this country and help rehabilitate youth”.

A timely reminder especially at a time when gang violence is wreaking havoc in east Port of Spain.

In delivering his speech, the popular Roman Catholic priest echoed a philosophy that was articulated almost ten years ago by the late Lloyd Best. In a series of articles entitled ‘School in Pan’ Best highlighted the need “to build community spirit and guide the transformation of young persons by giving them a means of creative expression through their involvement with the steelband”.
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[Alphonso Bass]

I agree Gons.  Now a days one man palying for four and five steelbands.  The dedication needed for the stage side must be brought back.  I remember one San Fernando Mayor trying to ban music trucks.  I don't know how to reverse the lack of appreciation for our music in the local arena.  The rest of the world loves it. And they are promoting it widely.

[Cecil hinkson]

"Home grown does not mean second best" Fr Clyde preach here, more and more our young people are viewing our music as not good enough, it is time to control the type of music that is fed to our people.

It is time for the Government to acknowledge the need for steelbands to remain in their communities.

Put back StarLift in Woodbrook and make sure that Phase2 remain where they are.

[Glenroy R Joseph]

Many of us see steelbands purely in a business sense, and value its success primarily in terms of its ability to generate income and win competitions.

We sometimes fail to see the true value of the steelband movement, and its potential as a positive force. 

[Stafford Joseph]

PAN is the Panacea for Youth Deviance

 

Well said Fr. Harvey. LIME Hells Gate Steel Orchestra of Antigua & Barbuda is testimony to this.

Until and unless we come to truly recognize the power of the Pan, many in our societies will never realise that there is no political force that can match the power of the Pan.

What the Pan has done, what the Pan is doing now, and what the Pan will do in the future is all God's desire.

Pan unifies.

 

One PAN!! One Love!!!  

[Winston Dayal ( alias Gons)]

Gone are the days when every steelband would have a stage side when we as youth we would spend our evenings there rehearsing for fetes . This kept us out of trouble and we enjoyed the time together . In those days steelbands would be featured with all the big bands at dances etc. TNT is so living in fear now I know this is not possible , as no one wants to be outside late at night plus the. People only want DJ music now . Maybe you dance and concert promoters could start booking steelbands again and the stage side might be reborn , it just might be a small start to help reduce the crime . Blessings , Winston.