Having offered ourselves to serve at the level of the Central Executive of Pan Trinbago at varying periods over the past 35 years , some of us who have served during the period 2000 to the present time have  experienced  first- hand the pros and cons of Pan Trinbago, seeing its enormous potential for growth and development . At the same time we have also experienced the complexities and challenges of managing one of the most important cultural and artistic institutions in Trinidad and Tobago. For those of us who during the current term (2015 – 2018) in particular have stood In defense of the organization and its constitution and for democratic decision making, prudent day to day management and fiscal accountability, we have decided to take a stand against the dictatorial tendencies and one-manism that crept into and have now totally consumed the office of the President.

To even the most casual bystander, there is no doubt that the events which has played itself out in the full glare of the national, regional and international Steelpan community in particular and the public in general has brought the organization into disrepute and has been a source of embarrassment to lovers and supporters of the steelpan all over the world. In this regard we have listened to the collective voices of our membership, and are now more than ever prepared to stand at the gates of our organization and defend it against dictatorship, malfeasance, misappropriation, the abuse of power and authority, thuggery, brutishness, corporate conspiracy and even political espionage. WE WILL NOT LET THEM PASS.

As a result, we assembled a team of PATRIOTS who despite the enormous challenges we face at the present time remain committed to the organization and its progressive growth and development, not for personal and selfish reasons, but for the future of the hundreds of young pannist throughout the length and breadth of Trinidad and Tobago, who have embraced and love our national instrument.  Our team of PAN PATRIOTS comprise of individuals who have been able to hold the organization together through their work in the Central Executive and the Regions in the most trying of times, in the face of sabotage and betrayal by self-seekers within our ranks who would prefer to mash up and destroy the organization if they cannot control or wield the rod of influence over the organization.

 This determined group of PAN PATRIOTS have stood their ground and have not abandoned their post like some others, who instead of standing in defence of the constitution, took the easy way out, put their tails between their legs and scurried to the sidelines and who now, like the opportunists they are engages in the worst kind of subterfuge, deception, cunning, character assassination, libel and smut.

FORWARD EVER

The PAN PATRIOTS offer a team of committed young people, mixed with persons of considerable experience and first -hand knowledge of the history of the organization, and who are prepared to lead the transition to a new generation of leadership, preparing the youth for future leadership, re-branding the organization, implementing fresh administrative protocols and governance procedures, engaging in institutional strengthening, capacity building and taking it forward to the new frontiers  and excitement of the 21st Century.

NO TO DICTATORSHIP

Seeing first hand, the un-repenting short comings of a maximum leader who is being advised by those who are only concerned with preserving their own selfish interest, and weaving a devious web of lies and manipulation, we are in the best position, and are quite capable of effecting the necessary changes to take Pan Trinbago out of the unfortunate position, in which we find ourselves. But all is not lost and we are not in ashes as some would want the nation to believe. Tough times don't last, but tough people do. We are convinced that we can emerge out of this period of autocratic leadership and bullyism and that the MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERSHIP of the organization, would support our position and never ever endorse anyone who would sell out and giveaway our indigenous artform to the highest bidder. Our mandate given through Act. #5 of 1986, is clear. IT IS THE LAW. We will not surrender our autonomy to any group or institution, but would plant our flag and uphold our right to self-determination for the present and future generations of Steelband men and women.

WE WILL WIN

The road ahead will not be an easy one, but our struggles over the years has taught us that the hotter the battle, the sweeter the victory.  The elements who were conspiring to ensure that Pan Trinbago did not survive past Panorama 2017 was very annoyed when their plan did not work. But we are still here with a strong beating heart and pulse, and will be here for generations to come Rome was not built in a day and we as PAN PATRIOTS are prepared and determined to take Pan Trinbago out of this pit that was dug for us by those who conspired and continue to conspire to see the downfall of the organization. This kind of treachery must not be allowed to succeed and bear fruit.  We must show the world that we are prepared to stand and defend our organization and its constitution ,overcome the internal and external challenges that are now before us, restore the image and creditability of Pan Trinbago for the future good of coming generations of pannist wherever in the world the instrument is played.

 

THE PAN PATRiOTS TEAM

DARREN SHEPPERD                                      PRESIDENT

KION ROBINSON                                            VICE PRESIDENT

RICHARD FORTEAU                                       SECRETARY

MALCOLM   GORDON                                  TREASURER

MICHAEL L JOSEPH                                       PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

PHILIP BAKER                                                 TRUSTEE

TREVOR REID                                                 TRUSTEE

 

IAN CLARKE a former member of the Central Executive during the……………………..period is offering himself  as an INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE for the position of EXTERNAL RELATIONS OFFICER and  has endorsed the members of the  PAN PATRIOTS TEAM to be part of the Pan Trinbago Leadership Team for the 2018- 2021 period.

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  • My question to all the candidates standing for election is this.

    The predecessor of Pan Trinbago (Steelbands Association > National Association of T&T Steelbandsmen) started off, in effect as a "Trade Union" under the leadership of George "Sonny" Goddard who led the boycott of Panorama, in effect striking for the betterment of steelpan.

    Somehow and somewhere along the way, that premise was lost.

    What do those aspiring to lead and do something for pan have to say about the idea of returning to those roots?

    Have any PT Members or Delegates ever called for this and what was the response from the leadership?

    Has anyone in any of these roles contacted NATUC to start a dialogue?

    Enquiring Minds want to know.

    Respect

  • I know it's pointless asking Pan Patriots for an answer…But i will anyway...…What's your plan for a more equitable Panorama competition? Will we see and end to players playing with more than one band and using relatives names to claim their cheques?…Yes?… Maybe steel bands finding money to pay players…somehow...other than aiding and abetting fraud?

    The rules for participation in Panorama were changed from the original "A player can only play with one band" to "A player can only register with one band" to "A player can play with only one band in each category" But you an I know that quite a number of pansists play with six and more bands….They have to be paid…somehow…Right?

    Given that more than 50% of your team are responsible for the present morass in the steel band movement, Pan Patriots…You possess gonads the size of watermelons...

  • Coolio - Gangsta's Paradise (feat. L.V.) [Music Video]

  • PAN PATRIOTS
    IN DEFENCE OF THE ORGANIZATION AND THE CONSTITUTION.
    Having offered ourselves to serve at the level of the Central Executive of Pan Trinbago at varying periods over the past 35 years, some of us who have served during the period 2000 to the present time has experienced first- hand the pros and cons of Pan Trinbago, seeing its enormous potential for growth and development . At the same time we have also experienced the complexities and challenges of managing one of the most important cultural and artistic institutions in Trinidad and Tobago. For those of us who during the current term (2015 – 2018) in particular have stood In defense of the organization and its constitution and for democratic decision making, prudent day to day management and fiscal accountability, we have decided to take a stand against the dictatorial tendencies and one-manism that crept into and have now totally consumed the office of the President.
    Disrepute and Embarrassment
    To even the most casual bystander, there is no doubt that the events which has played itself out in the full glare of the national, regional and international Steelpan community in particular and the public in general has brought the organization into disrepute and has been a source of embarrassment to lovers and supporters of the steelpan all over the world. In this regard we have listened to the collective voices of our membership, and are now more than ever prepared to stand at the gates of our organization and defend it against dictatorship, malfeasance, misappropriation, the abuse of power and authority, thuggery, brutishness, corporate conspiracy and even political espionage. WE WILL NOT LET THEM PASS.

    . Patriots Assemble
    As a result, we assembled a team of PATRIOTS who despite the enormous challenges we face at the present time remain committed to the organization and its progressive growth and development, not for personal and selfish reasons, but for the future of the hundreds of young pannist throughout the length and breadth of Trinidad and Tobago, who have embraced and love our national instrument. Our team of PAN PATRIOTS comprise of individuals who have been able to hold the organization together through their work in the Central Executive and the Regions in the most trying of times, in the face of sabotage and betrayal by self-seekers within our ranks who would prefer to mash up and destroy the organization if they cannot control or wield the rod of influence over the organization.
    This determined group of PAN PATRIOTS have stood their ground and have not abandoned their post like some others, who instead of standing in defence of the constitution, took the easy way out, put their tails between their legs and scurried to the sidelines and who now, like the opportunists they are, engages in the worst kind of subterfuge, deception, cunning, character assassination, libel and smut and slander.
    FORWARD EVER
    The PAN PATRIOTS offer a team of committed young people, mixed with persons of considerable experience and first -hand knowledge of the history of the organization, and who are prepared to lead the transition to a new generation of leadership, preparing the youth for future leadership, re-branding the organization, implementing fresh administrative protocols and governance procedures, engaging in institutional strengthening, capacity building and taking it forward to the new frontiers and excitement of the 21st Century.

    NO TO DICTATORSHIP
    Seeing first hand, the un-repenting short comings of a maximum leader who is being advised by those who are only concerned with preserving their own selfish interest, and weaving a devious web of lies and manipulation, we are in the best position, and are quite capable of effecting the necessary changes to take Pan Trinbago out of the unfortunate position, in which we find ourselves. But all is not lost and we are not in ashes as some would want the nation to believe. Tough times don't last, but tough people do. We are convinced that we can emerge out of this period of autocratic leadership and bullyism and that the MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERSHIP of the organization, would support our position and never ever endorse anyone who would sell out and giveaway our indigenous art form to the highest bidder. Our mandate given through Act. #5 of 1986, is clear. IT IS THE LAW. We will not surrender our autonomy to any group or institution, but would plant our flag and uphold our right to self-determination for the present and future generations of Steelband men and women.
    WE WILL WIN
    The road ahead will not be an easy one, but our struggles over the years has taught us that the hotter the battle, the sweeter the victory. The elements who were conspiring to ensure that Pan Trinbago did not survive past Panorama 2017 were very annoyed when their plan did not work. But we are still here with a strong beating heart and pulse, and will be here for generations to come Rome was not built in a day and we as PAN PATRIOTS are prepared and determined to take Pan Trinbago out of this pit that was dug for us by those who conspired and continue to conspire to see the downfall of the organization. This kind of treachery must not be allowed to succeed and bear fruit. We must show the world that we are prepared to stand and defend our organization and its constitution ,overcome the internal and external challenges that are now before us, restore the image and creditability of Pan Trinbago for the future good of coming generations of pannist wherever in the world the instrument is played.

    THE PAN PATROITS TEAM
    DARREN SHEPPERD PRESIDENT
    KION ROBINSON VICE PRESIDENT
    RICHARD FORTEAU SECRETARY
    MALCOLM GORDON TREASURER
    MICHAEL L JOSEPH PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
    PHILIP BAKER TRUSTEE
    TREVOR REID TRUSTEE


    IAN CLARKE a former member of the Central Executive during the 2000 – 2006 period is offering himself as an INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE for the position of EXTERNAL RELATIONS OFFICER and has endorsed the members of the PAN PATRIOTS TEAM to be part of the Pan Trinbago Executive Leadership Team for the 2018- 2021 period.

    …………………………………...FORWARD EVER……..............................
    October, 2018
  • Mr. Joseph you and many members of your team will go down as part of the worst Pan Trinbago administration in the history of the organization. What would change? And Why?

    bugs

    • bugs: Since you are teaching me ENGLISH this morning, could please explain to me what's central message in this presentation.

      Specifically, who is the FOLLOWING SENTENCE directed at: and [we] are now more than ever prepared to stand at the gates of our organization and defend it against dictatorship, malfeasance, misappropriation, the abuse of power and authority, thuggery, brutishness, corporate conspiracy and even political espionage. WE WILL NOT LET THEM PASS.

      Who is the THEM in the WE WILL NOT LET THEM PASS?

      • Well Claude since you asked... Please put your helmet on. Your about to enter into the concussion zone.

        Mathematically speaking -->  We ≥ Them ≥ Public and Pan Players

        Now if you consider that most of names listed have been working together for the last eight years, one can assume they really like each other. And the new names are replacement parts or teammates who will make them work even better than before. You can expect some "concussive" deeds from these fellows based on their recent past history. Moreover, they will be very efficient at it.

        bugs

  • What about Culpability and Accountability?
    There are those on your team who must be held responsible for past transgressions and should not walk away with just " I am sorry". They have access to the Forensic Audit Report and it should be made available to the Membership. Who have to make a jail, so be it!
  • I'm going to play devil's advocate here and just ask "Pan Patriots" one question.  What will Pan Patriots be doing to fix the current financial issues that is different from the current/outgoing Central Executive, considering there are, at least, three members of the current/outgoing Central Executive on this new team?

    • HAHAHAHAHAHA,

      Probably never. They are the remnants and would expect nothing more than more of the same.

      Sorry. I've been saying this for years, we need a Marketing wiz to run Trinbago as an on-going profitable business who would be accountable to a board of directors.

      What we don't need is folks who manage a steelband and think this qualifies them for the job. Some even have affiliation with the current Pan Trinbago institution.

      We need a fresh start.

This reply was deleted.