Legendary San Fernando panman Lennox Bobby Mohammed, dubbed as one of the unsung heroes of the southern city, has received a Republic Day award from the non-governmental group, Citizens for a Better T&T.The function took place at the CBTT's quarters at Lazarri Street, San Fernando, on Monday.During the brief ceremony in his honour, Mohammed said thousands of citizens were deserving of an award for their tireless and unselfish contribution to their country but received none for one reason or the other.
"These are the citizens with whom I would like to share this award," the music icon said.Mohammed who at the age of 22 became the youngest arranger in T&T to win a Panorama title said God had touched his life in such a powerful way that he was able to claw his way from the from the brink of personal despair to one of hope for himself, his family and his country.He is adamant that criminals can become law-abiding citizens if only they will allow God to take control of their lives.
"Christ is the answer to many of the problems which man cannot solve," the 71- year-old pan icon said."This is my personal experience and that of many others who continue to testify that their miserable past has changed drastically from the day they give their lives to God."Mohammed, who believes music and God are in his blood and soul, took the Guinness Cavaliers to the Panorama title in 1965 and repeated this feat in 1967 after finishing second in 1966.
He was honoured with the Humming Bird Medal (Gold) in 1992. Mohammed, who was born at Siparia Old Road, before moving to San Fernando, attended Siparia Road CM School, Mon Repos RC and Presentation College.
The former pan arranger also said he would like to dedicate his Republic Day Award to his late father Zainool Mohammed who was a school principal, his late mother Enid, brothers Selwyn and Lester who both played for the Guinness Cavaliers, as well as his sister Lynette and his grandparents, all of whom supported his love for the steelpan.Mohammed pointed out that he was very proud to be part of the rise of the steelpan "which is not only our national instrument but is today recognised all over the world."
In his contribution, he described himself as an innovator and trendsetter, in that he was the first person of East Indian descent to succeed at the highest level as a steelpan arranger. He stated that in his days, steelbands were dominated mainly by Afro-Trinidadians from Port-of-Spain, so it was a surprise and shock to many when his relatively unknown South band–the Guinness Cavaliers–won the Panorama title in the 1960s.
Mohammed, who is also an accomplished piano player, continues to play and teach his music at many churches."Good citizens are those who serve their country with distinction without expecting much in return," he said.CBTT's president Harrack Balramsingh told the small gathering that Mohammed was a true patriot who wanted to ensure that many young people became interested in our national instrument.