I am beginning to think that part of the problem with steel-bands in T&T is what conservatives would describe as the ills of “socialism”.
Now , I’m no conservative , but I know what they mean.
That dependence on the government check has become an anchor on the growth and development of the art-form , at least in T&T.
Because , I remember back in the day , before government involvement , the pan yard was a hub of commercial activity at Carnival time.
At carnival time , at a typical session in a pan-yard like Southern Marines, T shirts would be sold , the local shoemaker , seamstresses and tailors would be taking costume and boot measurements , people would be trying costumes etc.
People were about the business of Carnival , without the benefits of a business degree or education , I might add.
I would imagine such activities still continue in the pre-Carnival meetings of the big bands , but now pan people are convinced that they are unable to compete at Carnival in the business of Carnival , and instead rely almost entirely on a government check.
There are many good government policies that are decried as”socialism ” by conservatives, but are in my opinion necessary for a modern society ; a social and medical safety net for the people , for example.
But this type of malaise among pan people reflects the worst of Socialism !
Please , pan people , let’s get back to competing in the business side of carnival.
Because , that dependence on the government check takes away that element of “hustle” that created the art-form in the first place.
G R JOSEPH 