Reporter
matthew.chin@guardian.co.tt
Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Randall Mitchell says this year’s Panorama competitions saw a 20 per cent increase in attendance compared to last year.
“In terms of the Panorama events, we had a 20 per cent increase over last year’s figures, and over 50,000 patrons attended Panorama events in the 2024 Panorama competition,” he said yesterday at the 2024 Panorama Prize Distribution Ceremony at the VIP Lounge, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain.
He said the increase in attendance is now a catalyst for possibly obtaining a larger venue for the finals in the near future.
“We scanned the environment, we saw additional spaces where perhaps we can expand and make the Panorama semi-finals, finals, and other events even larger. We, at the level of Government, have pledged our unwavering support to the steelpan movement,” Mitchell said.
“We have already delivered support for the 145 unsponsored bands with the amount of $1.75 million.”
Mitchell also announced that distribution of $4 million in remittances, $500 per person, will begin on Friday for the approximately 1,000 pan players who participated in this year’s Carnival celebrations.
President of Pan Trinbago Beverley Ramsey-Moore, in her remarks at the function, praised Mitchell for his continued support of the steelpan community.
She said she believed his support played a role in the rejuvenation of the national instrument and the success of this year’s Panorama competitions.
“There is a rejuvenation for pan in Trinidad and Tobago, and by extension the entire world. And never before have we seen passion for steelpan music ... Because of the support that has been provided by our line minister ... Minister Mitchell ... he has been providing the support to the steelpan community because he understands that when we say pan, we talk people, when we say pan, we talk about the entire family, and when we talk about the family, we talk about the community,” Ramsey-Moore said.
She also said the waiting time for prizes is shorter this year than years before.
“In the pan community, you have waited longer than this for your prizes. So I want to thank all of our steelbands for the patience that you have exercised during a two month’s wait if so much. We thank you for that,” Ramsey-Moore said.
Revealing more exciting news to the steelpan community, Mitchell said in August the nation will host the first world steelpan festival —Pan is Beautiful.
He said it will begin in June going into August, allowing the country’s aficionados to compete and celebrate the music of steelpan.
“Beginning on the 9th of August it will be our first World Steelpan Festival and culminates on the 11th, World Steelpan Day, as declared by the United Nations last year,” Mitchell said.
Pan players pleased
Meanwhile, several participants in Panorama 2024 received prizes worth $16 million.
One recipient, Denise Rose, who plays with Desperados Steel Orchestra, which finished fourth in the large conventional band final, said the ceremony was special.
“For the first time, something like this has happened to me. I understand they (Pan Trinbago) got the money. I’m also happy about the direct deposit ... it’s an ease, no waiting at the bank for five days,” Rose laughed.
Desiree Meyers, who plays with Shell Invaders Steel Orchestra, said the feeling of receiving the prize was good and that it was important to support steelpan players.
“Definitely, it is a great feeling, and at the end of the day it’s all about the players, it’s about the band, giving the players what they deserve for the time they spent with us during the Carnival season,” she said.
Her band finished sixth in this year’s Large Conventional Band competition.