Pannist should always honour their fallen comrades

[Ian Franklin]

I am from Laventille and my favourite Steel Orchestra is Desperadoes. However, I am not bias; my love is for honesty and PAN over any BAND.  My beloved Desperadoes do not seem to know what is honour, loyalty or appreciation.                                                                                             Mr. Rupert Phillip, a member of Desperadoes since 1962, passed on in December of 2012.  Rupert, is the only member that performed at 99% of all the band's various functions from 1962 through 2012. Rupert, is the only percussionist and only member of Desperadoes that performed at all 50 Panorama Preliminaries from 1963 through 2012.  Rupert, is the only Desperadoes member that performed at 43 of the 44 Panorama Semi Finals from 1968 to 2012.  Rupert, is the only Desperadoes member and the only person that performed at 45 of the 49 Panorama Finals from 1963 to 2012.  I asked someone in management, why the band did not ask for a minute of silence for Rupert at the Semi Finals?             The answer was, we will look into that at the Finals. {yea right}                 it never happened. Not even 10 seconds for Rupert. 

My wife has said to me on many an occasion, why I do not stop getting involved with Desperadoes' business. But as I stated prior, PAN and PRINCIPLE is bigger than any band.            

[ama belfon]

Ian you are so right. However you are one of the few voices crying in the wilderness. We dont have to look far to see why Pan in Trinbago has not gone further than it has.

 

[Tanty Pearl]

We are still learning to honor our own.

 

[Mr Claire Charles]

To Whom' it may concern,

I would like a copy of the Desperadoes book if possible.

you contact me at [e-mail]

thank you,

Claire Charles

[Ian Franklin]

Thanks A.L, Salah and Chester.

@A.L Your definition of a grateful person seem to personify me No! I'm not tooting my own horn (lol)

@Salah Thanks again,you are a man of principle.

@Chester, My words may have been a little harsh, because Desperadoes did assist financially  with Rupert's burial expenses and recognized his contributions then. However, that was in December. I felt strongly that this was the first time in 51 years that Rupert was not physically on stage with the band, so his spirit should have been made aware. Also, this was the 50th anniversary of Panorama. That was my main point. If we do not speak up, then Sparrow's lyrics in one of his calypsoes, "we like it so" will defeat us all.

[A.L.Nunes]

"Practicing gratitude does take a bit of attention and time, but it shouldn't only be reserved for that one big Thanksgiving Day. It might take us a few seconds or a few minutes every day to put our attention on what we are grateful for, but it's worth it. Gratitude makes us feel good. It has been proven it can change our life, and the lives of others. According to the latest research on gratitude, by Dr Robert Emmons, a researcher and psychologist at U.C. Davis, grateful people really are different than those who aren't so grateful.

Here are some of the qualities of grateful people:

• They have lower levels of stress and depression
• They have a greater capacity for empathy
• People see them as more generous and more helpful than others
• They have a tendency to see the interconnectedness of all life
• They have a responsibility and commitment to others
• They place less importance on material goods, theirs and others
• They are less likely to judge others based on materialism
• They are more likely to share what they have with others who don't have as much
• They are more satisfied with life and have more vitality and optimism
• They have higher levels of positive emotions"

 

Ian, I commend you for clearly reflecting these qualities and hope that your message echoes not only through Despers but through all pannists.

[C. Dalrymple]

IAN, this is the problem we are demonstrating throughout the society,.It is a pity, as another person stated, if George Yates, Thunderbolt, Shane, and Charlo were still around , that situation would have received due recognition..What you are doing is great and you are doing it because YOU LOVE WHAT YOU DO EVEN IF THERE IS MONEY OR NO MONEY TO BE RECEIVED.. Do not give up the fight 

[Salah Wilson]

'No Gratis'- Ian  but I certainly would appreciate it......keep on writing  man

Salah

[Ian Franklin]

OK Salah, I will get a couple of copies toyou "GRATIS" of the Despers book, when released.

Thanks,

             Ian

Love, Peace and Pan.

[Salah Wilson]

Nah Nah Ian ...you can't ;give away ' your books like that...LOL

anyways my friend will contact you

Salah

[Ian Franklin]

Thanks Salah, I will pass on your contact number re.sales of your book.  As far as monies for me, I am very thankful for your support. However, I will only accept $60.00 tt.to cover the math books and the crossword puzzles. What you gave me at our first meeting is very appreciated. (lol) Say hello to wife, daughter and grand. My number is 316-9483. With heads like us we can get T&T to some sort of honesty (lol)