I WAS ON July 25, 1990. that the Prime Minister announced in
Parliament Government's intention to make $7.5 mffion available to (he
Steelband Movement to be expended on a steelband concert haD, pan
cottages and promotional material.
I wish to take this opportunity to once again publicly congratulate
the Government's initiative, since it must be viewed as a singular
opportunity to realise some of the cherished dreams of ihe Movement
Following the announcement, Pan Trinbago held talks with (he
Prime Minister and submitted a memorandum to the Government
which articulated some of these dreams and in so doing expanded on
the original concept, different in detail perhaps, but consistent in spirit
with that announced by Government
You will be pleased to know Pan Trinbago has drawn up a
comprehensive series of action plans which will place this country's gift
to the world of music — the SteeWrum — in a position of improved
independence.
The plan wffl set in motron a range of activities whkiiv^uhimately,
make fundamental changes to the situation, not only of
panmen/women, but of the quality of Bfe of all musicians as well as the
wider community.
In identifying these projects, we have been guided by two
principles. Firstly, we are quite firm in our conviction that under no
circumstances must these funds be used for noTKapftai expenditure.
At this point, I wish to emphasise to the benefactors of the
Movement that Pan Trinbago wfll stiH be seeking their assstance in
assisting with our recurrent programmes.
For, bhter experience has taught us that Btfle of lasting benefit has
been gained by expenditure of previous " steelband or culture" fiinds
on recurrent items
Fundamental Changes
We believe that this $75 million represents a golds; opportunity to
re-order our priorities and put first things first
The second principle employed in selecting the prop jsed projects is
that the widest possible cross-section of the Steelband Movement
should benefit
In addition to making a significant contribution by setting the
Movement on a truly setfrefiant path financially, we wifl be provided
with a unique opportunity to draw a wider cross-section of not only the
steelband fraternity, but indeed the national community into the
management of steelband aflairs.
I wish to share these proposals with you as briefly as possible.
One of the cornerstones ofthenewthinkingis the establishment of
an investment fund, which wiD create a viable and profitable entity
capable of effectively employing the resources entrusted toft.
The successful operation of this fund wiE demonstraLe to the society
at large that the Steeiband Movement can effectivey manage and
develop an investment capability which can serve as in inspiration to
the socaDed " disadvantaged" groups in the society.
We never seem to tire in our proclamation of the prDigress made by
the steelband over the last 50 years. However, whBe not gainsaying
the fact that there has been some advancement, bj and large the
rhetoric is sadly at odds with what for the nation ought to be
depressingly embarrassing reality.
The dilapidated physical premises of the majorit) of steelbands
bear eloquent testimony to the continued social margrialisation of the
steelbandand remains vivid reminders of the road yetbibe travelled.
Pan Trinbago is mindful of the problem which will begin the
process of enhancing the physical conditions under which most
steelbands in Trinidad and Tobago operate, even as the vexing
problem of Security of Tenure of lands occupied by steelbands is
(added.
EmpbymentRefef
At the same time shortterm employment relief undtr the auspicies
of the Labour Intensive Development Programme is eri .isaged
Among the plans is one far the establishment of a, chrome-plating
iacflity, and Pan Trinbagois confident that the plant cai bebroughton
stream soon. Moreover, the steelband demand for the services of this
plant, which will tend to be seasonal in nature, ran readily be
supplemented by competing head-on in the existing rnaVket
More importantly, we believe we can deliver a better quality
product at more competitive prices.
This confidence to deliver on this promise is1 bolstered by
continuing support from individual professionals at the I Inrversiry of the
West Indies and CARTRL Additionally, projects for drUm manufacture
and mechanical sinking and grooving have also been Corked out
These and other manufacturing aspects of our capital projects wi be effected though our industrial company Pandevco, chaired by
Carlos Hee Houng.
Of critical importance to the entire initiative, is n« creation of a
steelband foundation. One of the foundation's prirnarv responsibilities
will be research, but having as well the wider function of enlarging its
initial endowment from both local and foreign sources;
The Foundation as an institution, aw be instrumenlal bi fulfilling a
variety of needs of the Movement
to such ciurmstarices, ft follows that Pan Trinbaso also proposes
to make ft possible for a National School of Music to be established
upon fee St Augustine Campus at the University of m(- West Indies to
give direction and substance to the embryonic efforts in respect of the
Creative Arts which have already been established then>.
Such an educational initiative win in time address |ie needs of pan players who are in panyard service, even as it addresses the needs of
musical education at primary, secondary and tertiary jewels as well as
those special concerns of the highly gifted.
In this area, we envisage a rote for the Foundatiarl in raising funds
for the School of Music and on its own account smjiltaneousiy. We
propose that the Foundation consider an international series of benefit
concerts for the School of Music.
The success of these projects will actually ilepend on the.
involvement of a wide range of professional skills Which are readOy
PAN TRINBAGO SUPPLEMENT, Sunday. June 30, 1991 Page 3
Pan Trinbago Supplement
Re Bordering our priorities
:• C_ JLT
I WAS ON July 25, 1990, that the Prime Minister mnounced in
Parliament Government's intention to make $7.5 miffioa ivaflable to the
SteeDwnd Movement to be expended ona steelbandctncerthall,pan
cottages and promotional material
I wish to take this opportunity to once again public? y congratulate
the Government's initiative, since it must be viewe^ as a singular
opportunhyto realise some ofthe cherished dreams of ^
Following the announcement, Pan Trinbago held
le Movement
talks with the
Government
OWEN SERRETTE, President of Pan Trinbago,
addressed the launching of Pan Trinbago Capital
Investment Programme at the Central Bank
Auditorium May 29. This is his speech
Prime Minister and submitted a memorandum to thj
which articulated some of these dreams and in so doinfc expanded on
Ihe original concept, different in detail perhaps, but consistent in spirit
with that announced by Government
You will be pleased to know Pan Trinbago his drawn up a
comprehensive series of action plans which wffl place ths country's gift
to the world of music — the SteeMrum — in a position of improved
independence.
The plan will set in motion a range of activities whicfi wffl ultimately
make fundamental changes to the situation, ',aot only of
nannvn/wnrnpn hiit nfrtip nnalifv nf life of all miisiriflit; as well as the
available to us but which have been hitherto under-utilised.
Thus we propose to me various projects be managed by separate
Boards comprising mainly of professionals.
In this regard, Pan Trinbago has sought and received the kind
approval ofthe following persons:-
REGINALp DUMAS, diplomat, former Permanent Secretary of
the Prime Minister and Head of the Public Service, to be Chairman of
theFoundatioa
CARLOS HEE HOUNG, General Manager, Memanol Company of
Trinidad and Tobago, to head the Industrialisation Board.
CLARRY BENN, Investment Manager, Unit Trust Corporation of
Trinidad and Tobago, to be in charge of trie Investment Fund.
PATBBHOP, Chairman forme School of Music.
At the same time Pan Trinbago proposes to review the existing
thinking about the National Concert Hall with the intention of
developing relevant, useful and affordable solutions to the problems
created by the needs of our musicians for appropriate performing
space.
Pan Trinbago has already taken the initiative to prepare its
members for the onerous task ahead You wi be pleased to know that
Pan Trinbago's Executive has been exposed to a live-in training session
in Management and Management Techniques, including aD aspects of
prudent Financial Management and Budgeting.
Of major significance to this occasion is the ratification of a
Constitution which would underline and emphasise the soverejgnity of
the Steelband Movement
It would put into constitutional perspective the vision of Pan
Trinbago and cater for the changes and improvements that would
obviously be part of an organisation that is as progressive as ours. OWENSEKRETTE