The Year In Review - 2006
Global - It's been a very interesting year for pan, globally speaking. The face of pan is getting younger and more diversified. Furthermore the talent and skill level are increasing sharply. When Steel Talks (WST) has been fortunate to be able to communicate and meet with people from all walks of life (professionals, hobbyists, pan 'lifers', beginners, educators, students and fans), who are connected to the steelpan instrument and are literally from almost every sector of the world. All have in common, an undying enthusiasm for the instrument and art form.
Our steelband personality award of the year goes to Mrs. Anna Raffoul, president of the Dominica Steelband Association. Anna Raffoul achieved through sheer determination and innovation, a steelband first in Dominica, W.I. She, along with her handpicked helpers and resources, organized and hosted the highly-successful inaugural OECS Junior Pan competition in Dominica this past April - with absolutely no intervention from her country's government. Mrs. Raffoul and her staff oversaw the efficacious mobilization and attendance of competitors from several other Caribbean islands. 
