The order of Michael Marcano; Rest in peace my friend.
I learnt standard organizational order through serving as a central executive member of Pan Trinbago (PT) and through Michael Marcano. He guided me when I resigned from the central executive, formed a “Watch Dog” group called Concerned Individuals for Pan (CIP) straight up to the time his health rapidly decline. Prior to that period, my understanding of an organization’s constitution, its importance and why it must be up held was extremely limited.
I remember clearly that Mr Marcano was the very first person I called when I made my decision to resign from PT because I indicated to him before that time that I was uncomfortable in the position. He had his concerns though, if I resigned, bandleaders could take it as I had abandoned them. He thought I had a lot to offer PT and did not want me to do anything jeopardizing my chances to get the opportunity in the future.
In the group Concerned Individuals for Pan, he would be constantly pointing out the wrongs of the then PT’s executive as it related to the constitutional and standard organizational best practices because he believed that it was the only way to ensure good governance within the organization. Coming up to 2018 PT’s election, we formed a team and Mr. Marcano agreed to run for the PT’s Vice President position with our team. After consulting with his doctor, he broke the news to the team, that due to health reasons he would not be able to run and then convinced the group that I should be the one to take his place. Our group ran in 2018 and lost.
I stayed close to him, took his teachings and gave my support as his health dwindled. The news of his transition was sad but not surprising as I was constantly updated. I know of two solid steelband leaders Mr Marcano mentored and I am sure there are quite a few more. His teachings impacted the steelband community and would continue to do so through us. We will honour him by following through with his vision for the steelband movement until we too draw our last breath. On behalf of Concerned Individuals For Pan, all who your teachings impacted including myself, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you and Rest In Peace. Love, respect and manners, until we meet again.
There have been quite a number of band leaders who have passed in the last two years. So many that it is only possible for me to write about the people who I have had personal interaction with and who have contributed to my development. To Mr Garcia’s family, condolences, and to all who I did not write about but still made a significant contribution to the development of pan, thank you, thank you, thank you and rest assured, as we stand on the shoulders of your work, we, the next generation of pan people will lift our nation instrument, the steel pan to another level.
Aquil Arrindell
Dear Friend to Mr. Michael Marcano.
Replies
Michael Marcano was a man of great courage, integrity, and intellect, whose moral compass kept a steady course in the rough seas of pan politics. He leaves a huge void and will be greatly missed, but it is a comfort to know that he mentored many others. His spirit will live on, and continue to inspire generations to come. We are truly grateful for his life and his work. Condolences to his family, the Renegade Family, and all whose lives he touched.