IT IS TIME STEEL ORCHESTRAS BECOME OWNERS

[Ian Franklin]

Steel Orchestras have to get together and brainstorm how to get into the Transportation and the Chroming of Pans Business.

I may not have the dollar, you may not have the dollar, he/she may not have the dollar. However, if WE get into COLLECTIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP, WE WILL HAVE THE DOLLARS.

From 2007 through 2017, The Large Bands Panorama Finalists have grossed $60,750,000.00 in prize monies.

It is time the Steel Orchestras work so they can benefit.
The Truckers, The Chromers, The Pan Makers, The Arrangers, The Decorators, The Managers, The Captains and now we have The "Drill Masters." This is the breakdown from the top top high to the low low, to the crackshots and then to the steel orchestras/robot players.

[KESSERING NOEL]

We need to to consider music as a business and teach the younger generations that. Control all aspects of the business, even if its for fun. Hobbies can become very expensive. Supporters must also be willing and be financially supportive; see it as a business.

[Morning Glory]

Also,I would like to Borrow $1,500,000,from any Bank in TnT,for my band to make certain Investments. Can you assist in getting this loan,,,From ANY BANK? So that my band can become an employer,a BUSINESS ,,,,Let me know when you can,,,as there are many bands with GREAT PLANS,,,,BUT THEY CAN'T GET THE SUPPORT OF THE BANKING COMMUNITY ,AS OTHER BUSINESS PEOPLE DO,,,,,,BECAUSE THEY ARE PAN PEOPLE.STAY BLESSED MY FRIEND.

[Morning Glory]

My friend Patrick,Steelbands DO NOT GET TAX PAYERS MONEY TO GET PANS,,,,when a band is formed, the working members put up money,parties are thrown, etc. When a band wins any sort of money they use a portion of it to buy PANS . Panorama is an income generating Competition,,,,,,, do you expect Panist to play for free,and hundreds of thousands are being made,,,,from gate Receipts, from Advertising, from Sponsors ,FROM ALCOHOL,,,,,, I GUESS YOU HAVE NEVER FORMED OR PLAYED ANY PAN ,JUDGING FROM YOUR COMENTS. I HAD TO CORRECT YOU MY FRIEND.HAVE A BLESSED DAY.

[patrick]

Where these pan people getting money to purchase anything? Taxpayers money give them free instruments, not sure if they get free transportation, and also money to play. Not sure if the 'panman' mindset can and want to change. Ownership is investment and taking time to be profitable.

[Glenroy R Joseph]

Is is not time to qustion the way the funds allocated to the steelbands are allocated ?

If , for example some of those funds had been invested in say trucking and chroming , for example as Ian suggests , would the steelbands not be in a better position?

Of course , this would involve long term planning , instead of existing from panorama to panorama.

Even if the current leadership is changed , the status quo will remain without a reset of the thinking and direction of the entire steelband movement , and that would include an unbiased look at the effects , pros and cons ,of the panorama concept., and what changes need to be made.

[Kelvin scoon]

 SIXTY ONE MILLION DOLLARS IS A LOT OF MONEY!!

If this figure is accurate, it demands that an immediate proer study be undertaken by UWI/UTT/PAN TRINBAGO to determine how this money was utilized/spent, from which recommendations could be made to guide the movement in the future.

This is an urgent necessity. As a last resort the Government should commission this study on behalf of the taxpayers. It should not cost a lot of money and the benefits far outweigh the cost.

[OSWALD GALLION]

Before we can start discussing these business projects, there is the need for most steel orchestras to have permanent ownership of their respective pan yards. For at any moment the majority of them could be evicted and caught in limbo.

[federico gay]

I agree with one hundred percent

[Morning Glory]

As Pan is a National Treasure, the Government will have to be a part of the solution. Why not a PAN TAX ON CERTAIN LUXURY GOODS,,,,,A PAN TAX ON VISITOR'S HOTEL BILLS. A PAN LOTTERY, with the proceeds going towards the Drum and Chrome Factories. Give the Panorama winners as part of their winnings ,a tractor trailer truck,so that eventually the same bands can become actual Businesses, and transport other Steelbands to shows,Panorama ,and DJ's for Carnival ETC. EHH?Peace and Love.

[T Sticks]

The FIRST step towards anything of that magnitued is the steelband fraternity has to see themselves differently eg. STOP thinking the country/world owes them everything so they can wait around on the seasonal events to expect support and hand-outs and in the same breath socalled supporters STOP thinking "iz we ting"so we shouldn't have to pay...fortunately, there are a few bands that have had that lightbulb moment and are quietly doing things...it is/will be a MAJOR task getting all/most on board but itIS possible.