Comments

• 

  Pan'tum - The Ghost Who Talks July 20, 2012 at 6:35pm

  Chief, I did post my questions as a separate discussion, which I not only posted, but provided the link to you. Anyway, HERE ARE MY QUESTIONS:

  1. How long have you had a business relationship with Pan Trinbago, and how did this come about?
  2. If, as Pan Trinbago claims, they are the “non profit, World governing body for pan”, why did you set it fit, to form your own steelband association in Nigeria, and was this association, also formed in joint-partnership with Pan Trinbago? If not, why?
  3. Why isn’t your steelband association, like Pan Trinbago, a partner in the ATTSDC?
  4. As far as you know, can “non profit associations”, legally conduct the kind of (for profit)business, as does Pan Trinbago, in being a “shareholder” of a privately-held limited liability company, in Nigeria or anywhere else?
  5. Can you articulate for us (not me), EXACTLY how this three-shareholder LLC, will benefit the average panman or panwoman in Trinidad & Tobago?
  6. Are “Trinbagonians” wrong, for being wary and suspicious, of anyone who unilaterally forms private companies, intended to exploit the resources of our national instrument for financial gain, citizen or non-citizen?
  7. When the ATTSDC were accepting applications for employment in their newly-formed company, why didn’t you  post those positions on this WST forum, or on Pan Trinbago’s – a shareholder, and “world governing body for pan” – website? http://www.linkedin.com/groups/AFRICATRINIDAD-TOBAGO-STEELPAN-DEVEL...
  8. What is Nigeria’s track record, when it comes to “corporations” (especially “Big Oil” companies) versus the “native tribes”, politically, environmentally, and socially speaking?
  9. What is Nigeria’s track record on political activism and protests, and would you say that Trinidad & Tobago’s track record, is not as violent, oppressive, and as controlled by “big business”?
  10. Is January of this year, the Nigerian Tribune, in a report, it was noted that “Runsewe revealed that Nigeria and the Caribbean country share a historical connection dating back to 1924, maintaining that the ties should be sustained for the mutual benefit of tourism promotion in both countries…He agreed to the Envoy’s request by promising to brand the Desperadoes Steel band with Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago emblems, arrange for top Nigerian acts to perform during the carnival alongside the Desperadoes Steel-band and suggested that a joint press conference featuring top musicians and Nollywood stars should also be organized in Lagos as this will translate to maximum publicity and appreciation for the steel orchestra.” Do you agree that (a) our “historical connection” only goes back 80-plus years, and, (b) it benefits the rest of Trinidad & Tobago steelbands, to have ONLY that one steelband receive such promotion and branding, and if so, how?
  11. Further, why wasn’t Excel Steelband, the Nigerian steelband association, Pan Trinbago, or any of the ATTSDC board members, a part of this “envoy” (above), or even mentioned in the article?http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/tourism/34491-trinidad-and-tobago-s...
  12. Why was the media allowed to listen in on the meeting for thirty minutes, only to be asked to leave, as it was “private”? Didn’t they know the meeting was “private” prior to starting the meeting? And how do you respond to Pan Buzz’s article on this issue with the media? http://www.guardian.co.tt/entertainment/2012-07-19/that%E2%80%99s-i...
  13. Do you think that the image Pan Trinbago continues to create for itself, benefits a
• 

  Pan'tum - The Ghost Who Talks July 16, 2012 at 10:07am

  An Open Letter To Chief Bowie Sonnie Bowei, ATTSDC

   

  Dear Chief Bowie,
  
  We, the WST membership, would like to know, why you have chosen to remain silent, on the issues raised on this forum, regarding your newly formed company, the Africa Trinidad & Tobago Steelpan Development Company. As die-hard lovers and supporters of our (Trinidad & Tobago) "national instrument", we are disappointed, that not one of your company's representatives, have responded to our concerns and questions, as they relate to the legality and ethics of your clandestine business practices.
  
  We are aware that you have been a WST member since August 15, 2010, and although your company placed ads for employment with your company, you did not notify this WST forum, and, as such, none of us, including those who may live in the Lagos area, were given the opportunity to apply.
  
  https://whensteeltalks.ning.com/profiles/profile/show?id=BowieSonnie...
  
  http://www.linkedin.com/groups/AFRICATRINIDAD-TOBAGO-STEELPAN-DEVEL...
  
  We would also like you to respond to the allegations, that Pan Trinbago, is engaging in business practices, that are in violation of our countries laws, and as such, your newly-formed partnership, is an illegal business, as per the "Companies Act" of Trinidad & Tobago. It is obvious, that Pan Trinbago does not respect this WST forum, and has failed to address the membership's concerns, which, is not in keeping with "responsible governance".
  
  We are calling on you, Chief Bowie, to make a public statement, addressing the concerns of this WST forum, of which we trust you are a genuine member, and not just here to spy on those who may be in opposition to your business practices. As the son of George "Sonny" Goddard, I am especially offended, that Pan Trinbago, has decided to go against the very principles upon which the "Association" was founded, as set forth in the "Constitution", which came into being, under my dad's leadership.
  
  I hope that your actions be more intelligent, than those of your business partner, Pan Trinbago, for while you may be in the clear, they have definitely got some legal issues to deal with, and they will have to, for WE THE PAN PEOPLE will hold them accountable, and will pursue ALL legal options, to ensure that they (and you) abide by the laws of our great twin-island nation.
  
  As EVERYONE knows, I am a very "Afrocentric" person, however, I am not willing to see you and your partner, Pan Trinbago, exploit our culture, under the disguise of "promoting pan in Africa", while breaking the law in the process. It was African descendants, in their desperate need to keep their African traditions, who invented the steel drum (pan); as I say: In Africa we invented the talking drum; in Trinidad, we invented the singing drum. The time has come, Chief Bowie, for you to address this WST membership and our concerns. We understand that Pan Trinbago will not, and that is very suspect; like everything they do. This is a selling out of our culrute to corporate greed, and you need to articulate, exactly how this newly-formed company, will benefit the local pan man and pan woman of Trinidad & Tobago. Pan Trinbago has refused my repeated solicitations for a response, and as such, WE THE PAN PEOPLE, are left with no other alternative but to publically address your company. It is with great respect, that this letter is written, and we hope it is received with the same intent.
  
  Respectfully,
  
  George D. Goddard, B.A. Music (Cum Laude)
  <</body>
• 

  junior stevenson December 11, 2010 at 9:42am

  HI bowie first I would like to congrtulate you to what you have done for pan in Nigeria it was a job well done. Do hope that you keep up the good work. Keep the dream alive and I would have love to have been there to see this happen. Well done.