Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - A tsunami of Steelpan lovers descended on the little village of Tamana on Saturday 19th March 2016 as Pan Trinbago held the first in its series Pan in De Countryside for 2016.
People came as is the custom, from all over Trinbago, to be a part of this know-your-country community Steelbands concerts put on by Pan Trinbago. The results were the same as usual. Most people never visited this village before, and would have never have found reason or just cause to visit this remote part of Trinidad had it not been for this initiative of the steelpan fraternity.
The community concert was held at the Tamana Pioneers Steel Orchestra Pan Yard and started promptly at 4:00 p.m. by the evening’s master of ceremonies Mr. Richard Forteau, Secretary of Pan Trinbago. The participants were, Star Sapphire Steel Orchestra, who started the evening’s entertainment with their exciting repertoire. The performance was paused for a short period to facilitate the Catholic community celebration of their Palm Sunday March to the church at the top of the hill overlooking the Pan Yard.
This was led by visiting priest Father Nathansingh. The priest, as I was told, complimented Pan Trinbago on its initiative during his service, as quite a number pan patrons attended the service and received their palms. Following Star Sapphire’s performance was Option One, a new ensemble out of the area, consisting of Steelpans, keyboard and bass guitar. They had most patrons shuffling their feet to the sweet sounds and choice of music.
By this time, we were graced with the presence of the Councillor for the area Mr. Rajkumar Bagaloo, Chairman of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation Mr. Terry Rondon, who joined with the president of Pan Trinbago Mr. Keith Diaz to bring greetings to the growing crowd, and the newly-appointed Mayor of the City of Port of Spain, Mr. Kerron Valentine.
The concert continued with a scintillating performance by the Sangre Grande Cordettes Steel Orchestra of Sangre Grande, followed by a surprising and very entertaining performance by the host steelband, the Tamana Pioneers Steel Orchestra who had patrons dancing throughout. Tamana Pioneers represented themselves and their community with distinction.
Here again we were graced by the presence of our line Minister, the Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, and MP for St. Ann’s East; Minister of Public Administration and Communications, the Honourable Maxie Cuffie, MP for La Horquetta/Talparo; Mrs. Hermia Tyson-Cuffie; retired PS Ministry of Culture, Mrs. Christine Newallo-Hosein, MP for Cumuto/Manzanilla; Mrs. Diaz, Deputy PS Community Development; Ms. Susan Corbett, Director of Community Development, amongst others who choose to remain low-keyed.
After the ministers brought greetings, the entertainment continued with the Red Hill D’Abadie Limbo Group which literally went down low and the crowd showed their appreciation with loud applause. Next in line was Diatonic Pan Institute coming all the way from Siparia to delight the patrons with a splendid performance, and the ministers tapped their feet and shook a little to the pulsating rhythms of the steelpan.
Bringing down the house was the band most patrons stayed to the very end to hear, the eleven-time Panorama champions, and current Panorama 2016 champions Desperadoes, who played as only they can, and the fans danced and sang along to the very familiar numbers. They brought the house down with the crowd’s 2016 favourite Panorama tune, Different Me!
The evening was well spent. Everyone was happy to the extent that they all got they came for: a drive through our scenic country side to discover the village of Tamana, through the eyes of our National Instrument, the Steelpan. The people of Tamana extended hospitality and their various cuisines for sale, which brought into the community an increase of income-generating activities that was pleasing to all.
The president of Pan Trinbago, Bro. Keith Diaz, joins with his entire executive and Staff to thank especially the farmers, who held their Market and all products were sold out. Everyone got value for money. It was time well spent, in the true meaning. Special thanks to the priest who brought fellowship and Palms to those who desired and to the GOD that is a Trinbagonian for fine weather, Safety, Peace, Love and Harmony.
To the patrons and Steelpan Lovers, keep your ears open for your next know your-country-tour with Pan In De Countryside, where we promote Steel Pan and heightened village commerce. Thanks to the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, for recognizing the Power of the Steelpan.
Michael L. Joseph
Public Relations Officer
Pan Trinbago Inc. T.C.
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