In an attempt to revive the cultural landscape of Siparia, the Diatonic Steel Orchestra and Pan Institute will hold its first ever Single Pan-on-the-Move competition in the Prime Minister's constituency on May 14.The competition, which will be held in collaboration with the Siparia Regional Corporation and Pan Trinbago, will see a total of 15 bands vying for $100,000 in cash prizes.Diatonic's director/manager Keith Byer said the objective was for the competition to become an annual event, similar to what obtains in the Point Fortin Borough celebration.Byer said Siparia used to be a leader in culture, but the advent of the Point Fortin Borough celebration, 31 years ago, saw the demise of the Siparia fete. He said they hoped the pan competition would help to attract more visitors to the community, increase economic activities, promote internal tourism, while instilling a sense of pride and celebrating their indigenous heritage.
"Siparia fete, an annual community festival built around the celebration of the mysterious appearance of the patron Saint La Divina Pastora, attracted nationwide participation primarily because of the ancillary activities organised on the occasion of the festival," Byer said.Byer, a former Pan Trinbago vice-president, said they opted for traditional bands in order to complement rather than conflict or compete with Point Fortin conventional bands competition.The 15 participating bands will each receive an appearance fee of $5,000.The bands playing the best religious song and best calypso will each receive a first prize of $3,000, while the band judged Best Pan on the Move will receive a cash prize of $10,000.