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Trinidad & Tobago Panorama 2007

BP Renegades Awards Ceremony and Dinner
Address by Michael Joseph, PRO, Pan Trinbago

 

Trinidad - Mr. Chairman, honoured guests, leaders and members of the BP Renegades Steel Orchestra, other members of the Steelpan fraternity, friends and supporters.

The pleasure is mine this evening, to bring fraternal greetings to each and every one gathered here on behalf of the President of Pan Trinbago Mr. Patrick Arnold, who had asked that I express his regrets at not being here with you, matters beyond his control.

I do hope that I am an able representative, having only recently been elected to serve as Public Relations Officer of our organisation, however, I bring with me a spirit of enthusiasm and progress to the organisation. The kind that I have noticed in the other serving members of the present executive. There is a determination to take the Steelpan to another level, and this must be recognised and supported by our membership. If Pan Trinbago is to meet the challenges ahead with the kind of success that is necessary, the Steelband leaders and administrators must re-examine our present position to see if we are really satisfying the needs of our members.

It is necessary to look deep into our history, from then to now, for direction.  Let us take a brief look into our history. The early days we struggled for recognition and acceptance. The spirit of defiance displayed by those early pioneers we now call PANGUARDS. Had it not been for their determination, you and I would not be here to sheer and enjoy this wonderful time. The history must be told if we are to move successfully to the next level. As Dr. Sparrow once sang. “For the Steelpan to grow, the children must know the trials and tribulation we used to undergo.” So, I’m saying to you, that all aspects of the Steelband history must be told. Today we are putting the Steelpan instruments in schools. I am saying that the history is as important, and must also be taught in schools. They taught us Morgan Drake and Hawkins didn’t they?

After we had gain some recognition and very little acceptance, competition was introduced in order to maintain the recognition. And it was good in the sense that it served as a stabilizer for quite sometime.  And then we recognised that the competition was producing. We produced some master pan makers / tuners/ innovators, who we fail to give proper recognition to this very day. We, also produced some brilliant arrangers / composers, and some world class pannist.  And in this area the B P Renegades Steel Orchestra was able to excel.  You have made a sterling contribution over the past thirty (30) years, carrying the Banners and flying those Flags establishing your Steel Orchestra as a force to be reckoned with in the field of music and performance par excellence, bringing a sense of pride to sponsors and supporters, and also performing the role as great ambassadors for our country on the many occasion that you ventured abroad.  I am also aware of the successes of your youth Steel Orchestra, and I know that you are proud of your achievements over the years. Give yourselves a lusty round of applause BP Renegades.

I would like to recognise sponsors and the positive role that they have played in the development of, not only “Renegades” but the entire Steelband movement. Sponsors did help to fast track some of the development over the years, Hats off to them!

Today, there is a rapid change in the equation and, if we in Trinidad and Tobago fail to take note, we would have failed to maximize benefits from the Steelpan Industry.

We have got to wake up and shake ourselves from this dream state that we are in.  The people that we have introduced to our invention are the ones affecting the changes and we are being left like Alice in Wonderland, caught in the slips.

If we continue on our present course, we will continue to produce some of the best Pannist in the world, while purchasing the best Pan Sticks, the best Pan Cases, the best Pan Stands, the best SteelPan Instruments, the best Steel Drums and the best Tools from foreign countries made and mass produced by foreigners. And you know why? Because we are still caught up in a struggle amongst ourselves trying to prove who is the best, while the very foreigners we train, are selling back to us the very thing that we conceived through blood sweat and tears.  Ironic isn't?

Visit the Steelpan website on the computer and see for yourselves.  It may shock you into the reality that while most of us here only want to play the Steelpan Instrument for Panorama and the likes, foreigners are graduating from Universities and making the Steelpan their career.

It is time now for us to change our focus.  Let us start agitating for the Government and corporate Trinidad and Tobago to contribute towards research and development so that we can gently hop off competition mode and start developing a vibrant Steelpan Industry incorporating all the artisan crafts relating to the Steelpan, so that we can create sustainable income generating employment for all involved, especially young people coming out of school.

With all that I have said, I am still mindful that this is an evening for dining, and the BP Renegades speared no expense in preparing. So, I would like at this point to extend on behalf of myself and the executive of Pan Trinbago best wishes, and a peaceful and successful 2007 to all members of the BP Renegades family.

Thank You, and may the Gods of our forefathers be with us always.

on the 30th December 2006
 

From News desk of

Michael Leroi Joseph

Public Relations Officer

Pan Trinbago Inc.

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Pantrinbago Contact Information
Email:  admin@pantrinbago.co.tt
Telephone: 1- 868 623 4486

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