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Good Tuesday morning to All: We should all be familiar with the numerous individuals and groups who entered the arena claiming to want to "do something for pan". (Boogsie) From Arnold to Ramsey-Moore, neither of these current or former presidents of the steelbands' association (Pan Trinbago) have ever come remotely close to the long list of successes of the "Godfather" of the Steelband Movement, George "Sonny" Goddard. As Co-Founder of steelbands' major event, Panorama, Goddard's long list of accomplishments are noted here on When Steel Talks. (See. "Who Am I?") Recently, Diaz was interviewed by one of his former executive members (more on that sinister character later), and the former president boasted of his accomplishments, including the International Conference On Pan (ICP) and its accompanying "international Panorama". I published the entire report of the government-conducted audit related to Diaz and his executive's practices during that time, and the reader can form their own conclusions as to Diaz's successes, not in terms of personal financial gains, but in terms of the subculture's masses of "panmen" and "panwomen".

Then, we witnessed a bunch of alliances being formed; the "Concerned Individuals For Pan" (CIP), the Ramsey-Moore led "New Visionaries" (NV), the "Big 5". We saw the Codrinton Pan Family doing their own thing, and Vanessa Headley making news for her contributions, however, when faced with real life situations like disease, neither were financially-stable enough to handle them without reaching out for help. Tragic. I spoke to Dr. Lance Seunarine who tried to get a pension fund going here on this site, and it saddened me to hear that he now faces his own health challenges.

When I graduated from college in 2008, I wanted to put my education to use in serving my community, that being the steelband community in Trinidad and Tobago. I intended to use my knowledge and training in the field of psychology to help shape how I looked at the numerous issues and challenges facing the steelbands, and in particular, their membership. Due to that social science approach, I understood that i needed data; field research became a required step, if I was to even stand a chance to be successful in my goals. And, I wanted all of us to grow together, and that was the premise behind my suggesting we started a When Steel Talks Book Club. The idea never gained traction.

Goddard was successful because he understood leadership. He also understood what it took, if the goal was "building for eternity", which is what he assumed the entire body he represented wanted. This is why, prior to the association becoming infested with political hacks, steelbands experienced their "golden years"; an era referred to as steelbands' "Coming of Age". Goddard laid out a solid foundation that would have withstood the time test, had it not been for those who began chipping away at the foundation, beginning in 1970, and finalized with the Act 5 of 1986.

Foundation removed and demolished, the association became a decaying carcass, and, naturally, the “culture vultures” showed up like corbeaux at the swollen lifeless body of a stay dog, struck by a passing truck on the Beetham Highway. Then King Corbeaux showed up in his Black regalness [sic], and the real feasting began. No one would (or should) judge the “success” of the body (Pan Trinbago) by the well-fed look of the vultures. You don’t judge the success of body, by how well it fed its leader, but by how well the leader fed the body!

Of course, once on solid ground and on strong foundation, “building for eternity” requires the construction of the first floor: values. And, this is where, again, Goddard succeeded and others failed. In my next blog post, I will peel the proverbial onion and expose the “building blocks” needed for both the foundation and the first floor. Without them, anything you build will not be structurally-sound, and will always remain in a compromised position, waiting to come tumbling down like a deck of cards. Building something that will last is not guess work. It takes skill; skill informed by study and research. Skill independent of bias and; or prejudices, and skill that demands truthful, factual evidence, and not premised on conspiracy theories or mischievous intent. Because the vultures have been lauded and praised for their great job at devouring the carcass, they have become enabled and, as such, will continue on their “eat-ah-food” rampage, until all that remains are the dry, white bones of what once was a steelband body.       

 With Regards,

George D. Goddard.

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I admit; I am no Christian, but then again neither was the thief who allegedly was offered "everlasting life". I admit; I am neither Jesus Christ, nor a thief, but I am able to recognize which "camps" people belong to ('scuse the grammar). How? BY THEIR WORKS! (Caps, for emphasis.) I know that some people have the ability and skills to serve two (or more) "masters" -- God, Devil, good, evil -- and, today becomes earmarked as the day some return to their "Christianity", having served the "King of Carnival" -- Bacchus.

So, I chose today, as I hope to speak to the "God" in you, and not yesterday's "Devil". Is that okay? (Rhetoric.) The Christian leader allegedly stated that "...it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than it is for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven." Think about that extreme use of metaphorical reference for a moment...

Of course, being a (bona fide) leader, he didn't just talk the talk. As written, when offered the entire "World", he allegedly rejected the "Ruler" (you know, "Satan"), telling him that his "Father's Kingdom, is of no part of this World." Those who wanted to be in his presence had to leave ALL their "riches" behind. And, he allegedly asked, "WHAT DOES IT PROFIT A MAN TO GAIN THE WORLD AND LOSE HIS SOUL?" (Again, caps for emphasis only.)

Then, when the soulless "rich man" eventually dies (sorry; money can't buy you eternal life), the family buries them according to "Christian rites", thinking that their "rich" loved one prove Jesus Christ wrong, by getting into heaven, while we ALL know ain't NO camel getting through NO needle's eye! lol. Well; as Bob Marley sang, "...they crucified Jessus Christ..."

Point is; I "know who I am and where I stand in the struggle" (Marley) If those who claimed to be "Christian" are the very ones who crowned their own leader with thorns, I should (and do) expect similar or worse treatment by men, especially the "rich" and those who are all about "that money". Of course, karma catches up to them, as in Trump's case, but even if the laws of men don't get you, the Universal Law (i.e. karma) will. As I admitted; I am no "Christian", but I am no thief either. Just a simple man who continues to be honest to himself and others. ALL about choice! To my Christian peers, safe and happy Lenten season. Protect our women and girls!

George D. Goddard12393756461?profile=original

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12393755464?profile=original12393755681?profile=originalPan-Africanism And The Connecting Of The Steel Drum/Steelpan To Black History

Most people with a basic knowledge of the history of the steel drum/steelpan/pan, have no difficulty in connecting the percussive instrument to its Trinidad origins. However, few are able to make the connection between the instrument and “Black History”...

(Click the following link for the full article.) https://panicleusa.com/black-history-month-pan-africanism-and-the-connecting-of-the-steel-drum-steelpan-to-black-history)

NOTE TO WST MEMBERS: While some are unable to find the human decency to respect ALL people, regardless of "race", I have continued to assert that Black people are not inferior or deficient, but, simply different. Afro-Trinbagonian professionals in the social science fields may not know who I am, but I continue to earn the respect of doctorate holders in the field of psychology! I clearly understand that, in order to change behaviors, we MUST address the opinions and attitudes that fuel them. 

George D. Goddard

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TO JEREMY DE BARRY: Mr. de Barry, this is a second notice, that you remove all content of the book,"Forty Years In The Steelbands, 1939-1979" by George "Sonny" Goddard, (ISBN 9781854650344). You continue to violate my mother's rights as the copyright owner. I verified with her that she never gave anyone, you included, permission to reproduce the book. This is what she wrote and is in the process of notarizing:

Tuesday January 21, 2020

DISCLAIMER NOTICE

This is to state that I, Mona Goddard of [REDACTED], owner of the copyright of my husband’s book entitled “Forty Years In The

Steelbands”, ISBN # 1 85465 034 3 Pb, have never given anyone verbally or in writing, the

permission to reproduce, in its entirety or any part thereof of the said book, albeit in hard

copy, soft copy or via the Internet.

Anyone making such proclamation, specifically those whom may have already infringed on

my copyright, is a total fabricator of the truth, clearly in violation of both local and

international copyright laws, and would have to provide documented and/or recorded

proof/evidence of such a claim.

…………………………………………..

Mona Goddard

END OF TEXT

She is currently working on retaining an attorney, and this has bothered her extensively. Your email reply suggested that "On Saturday 3rd January 1998 Mrs Mona Goddard gave this site, www.seetobago.com (now www.seetobago.org), her kind permission to publish on the internet her late husbands book...". Of course, you failed to provide any tangible proof of your claim, I can assure you that my mother is of sound mind, and as her Power of Attorney, I will pursue you to the fullest extent that the law will allow me to. I understand that your email reply aimed at soliciting an emotional response, however, your actions will be remedied by the appropriate, intellectual course of action. You have brought great damage to our family, and we will be seeking retribution. That, you can count on. I hope that you show your respect for our culture and its pioneers and their wives, by ending your stealing of others' works and claiming that they gave you the rights. But, let it be known; you are in violation of my mom's copyright to her deceased husband's work, and your are receiving this second notice to cease and desist this infringement, even if you choose to continue lying on my mother. That is your karma, not hers, nor my dad's, nor mine. Neither of us steal other people's works and then lie about it. Again, be governed accordingly. You may not know us, but we are very resourceful. You will be held to account for your actions.

Below is a copy of the original text I sent you:

Dear Mr. Jeremy G. de Barry,

 

It has come to our attention that you have made an unauthorized reproduction of the copyrighted work entitled, Forty Years In The Steelbands 1939-1979 (the "Work"), by George “Sonny” Goddard (ISBN 9781854650344). My mother, Mona Goddard (the “Owner”) owns the copyright to the Work, and has assigned me the“Power of Attorney”. We have reserved all rights in the Work, which was first published in 1991. (Karia Press.) 

 

Your website, seetobago.org reproduced the Work in its identical entirety. This is found on your page and related pages, beginning with, http://www.seetobago.org/trinidad/pan/goddard/ggbkfram.htm

You neither asked for, nor received permission to use the Work as the basis for your online reproduction, nor to make and/or distribute copies of it. Therefore, I believe you have willfully infringed upon the rights of the Owner, as protected under Chapter 82:80 of the Copyright Act of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

 

We demand that you immediately cease the use and distribution of all infringing works derived from the Work, and all copies, including electronic copies, of same, that you deliver to me, if applicable, all unused, undistributed copies of same, or destroy such copies immediately and that you desist from this or any other infringement of our rights in the future.

 

This correspondence serves as legal notice. If we have not received an affirmative response from you by January 15, 2020, indicating that you have fully complied with these requirements, we shall consider taking any and all legal remedies available to rectify this situation. Be governed accordingly.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

George D. Goddard, B.A.

Dated: 12/19/2019

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