Trinidad & Tobago Newsday:
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - The Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism, Winston Peters, yesterday distributed more than $2.6 million to 165 unsponsored steelbands to assist with their operations for Carnival and Panorama.
At the distribution ceremony at the National Academy for Performing Arts (NAPA), Port-of-Spain, Peters said the money was also to ensure that the smaller bands can remain viable channels of pan music in communities throughout the country.
“We are certain that these funds will ease the burden of sustaining each group, and that players and administers will be able to place greater emphasis on making great music for the season,” he said.
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Does that mean that each band receives approx. $15,758. regardless of size i.e single pan, medium etc etc? Does PT get 10%? Other countries utilise pan in their school systems simply because they are better organised and take the 'pan' seriously. We are on "caca de toro", siempre.
"165 unsponsored bands." I am baffled; there are about 15 Large Steel Orchestras of which only 3 may not be sponsored. Only about 90 Organizations of Steel were registered with Pan Trinbago for this 2012 Panorama. Someone mentioned that I am always writting a pack of "you know what." Well, if I cannot see 1+1 adding up to 2, then my writtings will continue (lol)
Every year unsponsored band have been helped by the ministry what is so special about this yesr so that we see Gypo handing a cheque to Pan Trinbago?
Earlier he had threatened to abandon them. PAN is the national oinstrument and no one has to thank Minister Winston "Gypo" Peters for anything at all. Perhaps he could take a picture of himself encouraging Mr Tim Goopeesing to restart the PAN IN SCHOOL programm
No we do not have to thank the ministry for money that some of those Pan players who work and pay tax has already paid for.
Well Said Sarah-Ann about the restart of the the PAN IN SCHOOL program. I will also add that the program be placed in the proper hands of Managers that know how to implement the culture of the Steel Pan.
I hope that Pantrinbago dont put their hands in the kitty! It has been alledged that Pantrinbago dont deal to fairly with Steelbands when coming to funding. I hope that they would have their books in order if, or when an audit is called to see how the funds were used. Last year there was a controversy into Pantrinbago President and his handling of certain monies that were not used for the benefit of the Steelbands, and certain allegations were made in a popular Calypso. I think that his year he should put to rest any impropriety into his dealing with the Goverment allocated funds. Give nuff thanks to the Government for supporting the Unsponsored Stellbands!
I hope the $ gets in the correct hands to do this wonderful thing/Also I hope one of the small bands rise to the top to WIN because of this generous act.
Kudos for Mr. Peters. Until we are all self sufficient, thanks is always a must.
I am sure these bands will be thankful for whatever they get from the government, but handing over the funds to PanTrinbago????????????????????????
I agree totally. Pantribago???????