The National Petroleum Company (NP) has donated its drum-making factory to Pan Trinbago to be used for the manufacturing of the steelpan.
President of Pan Trinbago Keith Diaz said so yesterday during a media conference at the Queen's Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain.
"Just yesterday (Wednesday) NP donated it's drum-making facility to us," Diaz added.
The steelband fraternity had faced a drum shortage in 2011 when the machine being used at NP's facility stopped operating due to mechanical problems.
Diaz described the donation as a tremendous show of support to the national instrument.
Another show of support came from Arts and Multiculturalism Minister Lincoln Douglas who said he would focus on "legitimising" all the panyards in T&T.
Douglas said most of the panyards were situated on state lands with some using "unknown" properties.
He added: "They do not have the authority to use the real estate they are on. We are looking to invest those properties into the hands of the panmen."
Diaz said he expected Douglas to look at security in the panyards as well as deeds to lands for bands.