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Address by Patrick Arnold, President, Pan Trinbago, at the launch of the G-Pan

“I want to begin by saying, on behalf of Pan Trinbago, how very pleased we are to be part of this evening’s initiative. This has to be a proud moment for every citizen of Trinidad & Tobago.

“It also has to be a moment of great pride for every individual associated with the steelpan movement in this country.

“It has to be so for every steelpan player in Trinbago, and more so for those who toiled with the evolution of the instrument in the early days and continuing.

“As we all know, the steelpan emerged from among the masses and from among the poor and underprivileged in our society.

“The early pioneers therefore lacked the technology and resources available to others working in the field today.

“And yet, out of what was available to them, and out of their very humble circumstances, they were able to give to the world the most important musical instrument invented during the last century.

“We must therefore pay tribute to the early pioneers: Spree Simon, Ellie Mannette, Bertie Marshall and others, all of whom contributed to the evolution of the steelpan in their own special way.

“The steelpan has been and will always be about the people of Trinidad & Tobago.

“In point of fact, together with calypso and other indigenous musical art forms, it defines the heart and soul of the people of this nation.

“This evening’s development has to be a very proud moment for every citizen of Trinidad and Tobago.

“After all, for long time, the cry on the part of many in our nation has been “whey the hell pan reach” and that “pan in danger.”

“Further, that a lot more needed to be done by way of research and technological development to take the steelpan to the next level and to where it should be in this century. And, quite rightly some have been looking to the government and the academic community to play their part.

“Ladies and gentlemen, what we have before us this evening is a new set of steelpan instruments. That in itself is nothing new, as we have shocked the world over the years with the creation of new steelpans to increase the versatility of the instrument.

“This evening, the difference is that this new set of steelpans has been the result of much, indeed an unprecedented level of scientific and technological research and innovation to improve the musical competence and marketability of the instrument.

“What we also have this evening is a new series of steelpans which is currently being patented and invested in the name of the government and people of Trinidad & Tobago.

“This is truly a great an historic moment for the steelpan in Trinidad & Tobago. This is one of the best declarations of the identity of the people of Trinidad & Tobago.

“It is no longer a question of creativity and possession, but one about the ultimate closure concerning invention and ownership. And no one will be able to deny us what is ours.

“We of Pan Trinbago are happy to see the government’s involvement in a hands-on way, and the level of collaboration with the University of the West Indies.

“For us at Pan Trinbago, all of this is about respect for the instrument. Since the steelpan is about the people, this evening’s initiative is also about respect for the culture of our people.

“This evening we are talking about a steelpan revolution, but I also see what is happening here as part of a wider cultural revolution.

“A nation that can promote and develop its culture has a great future; one significantly of its won making and which will make its mark on the global civilization.

“Our small but obviously great nation has already been doing this. However, with this initiative we are giving ourselves the opportunity to do so even more.

“There can be no doubt concerning the many benefits to be derived from any improvement in steelpan technology in this country.

“And this evening’s initiative exposes us to new levels of musicality and marketability of the instrument, as well as opportunities for business and cultural development.

“There can be no doubt that all of this will create positive opportunities for our young people. The list can go on and on.

Patrick Arnold
Patrick Arnold

“There shall be challenges, but we shall overcome them, as all will provide enlightenment for a better future for our steelpan music and the steelpan industry here in this country.

“Honorable Prime Minister, we of Pan Trinbago and the steelpan fraternity wish to express our appreciation to you and the government of Trinidad & Tobago for this important historical and revolutionary initiative.

“We look forward to the future and to new dimensions of collaboration as we seek to take the national instrument to where it should be in this century.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you very much for your attention.”

About the G-Pan
 

From the News Desk of Pan Trinbago
Email: admin@pantrinbago.co.tt
Telephone: 1 (868) 623-4486

 
 
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