In the ghetto, the streets can often seem cursed by negativity. The segregation, disharmony and utter disrespect between rivals, whose opposition to each other stems from turf battles and drug warfare, claim the lives of many. Looking from the outside into areas of Laventille–Pashley Street, St Barbs, Trou Macaque, John John, Mango Alley and even near-lying hotspots like Never Dirty, Morvant, the Beetham and East Dry River, some might think that there's nothing good, but as the saying goes: a book should never be judged by its cover.
Out of Laventille will come a loving, peaceful celebration of this year's Emancipation holiday. One day after the liberation remembrance, on August 2, residents will parade to the sound of pan in the tenth annual Emancipation Steelpan Street Parade. For the people who are touched by this cultural fiesta, this event will, for the tenth year in a row, express a unity that's hardly ever depicted in the seven o'clock news.
Celebrating the positive
The annual effort by the Laventille Steelband Festival Foundation (LSFF) has evolved to a utopia-like day and according to the LSFF vice-chairman Julian Cudjoe, this parade of pan on the streets and its accompanying explosion of local culture is immensely enjoyed by Laventillians. This year, tribute will be paid to the drum as the instrument that fathered the steelpan. "The pan comes from the drum," says Cudjoe, "and for this tenth anniversary celebration, something special will be done." Cudjoe explained that in Laventille and other depressed areas, the steelpan is a major vehicle for positive change. It was only last week that the organisation hosted its Gloss Awards, paying tribute to female pan prodigy, Mia Gormandy, who has mastered the art and passionately exported it far and wide.
Like Mia, many youths of Laventille and environs rise to the top through the hard work of their parents and the blessings of their elders. For the youths who lack that familial direction, the LSFF, its founding fathers and the people who carry hope on their backs, are there to inspire, to help and to create change–one youth at a time. "In the area, there aren't a lot of things that seem positive," laments Cudjoe. However, he quickly adds, "our organisation hosts pan camps for schools within Laventille and surrounding areas. We also host pan workshops which we encourage the young people to be a part of." He explained that steelband leaders often get involved and show the youths who are willing to learn the masterful beauty of the national instrument.
Come Sunday, there'll be no bloodshed in Laventille, there'll be no weeping mothers, no heartbroken wives, no police lockdowns. Come Sunday, Laventille will shine and 32 steelbands will sound on the streets, creating movement, laughter, joy and unity among old friends, forgotten elders and young children. Cudjoe, along with LSFF Chairman Michael Cooper and the rest of their team–including the likes of stalwart pan personalities and community leaders like Owen Serrette, Richard Forteau and Wayne Jordan–have established their ten-year tradition. They are proud to say that throughout its years, it has always been incident-free. For that reason, they invite all of T&T to come to Laventille and experience the positive side.
