Steelband “pandemonium “ is about all of us as Trinis, not just about pan people.

Tuesday June 5 , 2019 The mistake we are making , my friends is assuming that the problems facing the steelbands of T&T are pan people’s problems , but they are much more than that. The problems are societal , and about national identity , culture ,vision and even more. Trinidadians have not yet recognized … Continue reading Steelband “pandemonium “ is about all of us as Trinis, not just about pan people. →

The plight of the elderly calypsonian

Wednesday, June 13, 2018 Calypsonian Crazy ( Edwin Ayoung) has brought up the issue of ageing and elderly calypsoniansin ( like DeFosto , for example) in T&T who struggle with their health and the ability to support themselves financially. The calypso art-form is not particularly lucrative these days , and except for … Continue reading The plight of the elderly calypsonian →

Pan people must “fix” Pan Trinbago , not wait for the government or courts to do it for them.

I hate to say this guys , but while steelband issues should be of concern to the entire nation of T&T , Pan Trinbago issues are for Pan people to solve. And we have no choice . Pan Trinbago is a private corporation , albeit mostly funded by tax payers, that was created by pan … Continue reading Pan people must “fix” Pan Trinbago , not wait for the government or courts to do it for them. →

How pan people gave away their (potential ) political power….

I once heard a quote to the effect that those who don't make plans are always surprised by those who do , especially by those who plan for the long term . It occurred to me that someone far wiser than me realized the political danger of an uncontrolled steelband movement , and thought it … Continue reading How pan people gave away their (potential ) political power…. →

Remembering Pan and Reggae Legend Nearlin “Lynn” Taitt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cDREldhlRI The Nerlin Taitt Orchestra of San Fernando , Trinidad -"Marlena" One of the greatest unsung contributors to Caribbean music is pan and reggae pioneer, the late Mr Nearlin Taitt from San Fernando.An outstanding pan player who also did some tuning, he was the winning soloist in the island wide ping pong (tenor pan ) … Continue reading Remembering Pan and Reggae Legend Nearlin “Lynn” Taitt →

It’s not an “Afro” thing , it’s a “Trini” thing !

The steelpan and its culture belongs to Trinidadians, all Trinidadians, and of course Tobagonians. We cannot on one hand refer to the instrument as our national instrument , and yet have it claimed by or even identified with one ethnic group that makes up less than forty percent of the nation's population. It is therefore … Continue reading It’s not an “Afro” thing , it’s a “Trini” thing ! →

Dimanche Gras , or The Message in the Music

Beyond the sweet music - catchy lyrics and musical hooks , there is a reason that the song "Full Extreme " dominated Trinidad's carnival in 2017. As an alternative to any of the many calypsos decrying the social and political atmosphere in Trinidad , this soca calypso reflected the yearning of the people to feel … Continue reading Dimanche Gras , or The Message in the Music →

What do Pan People in T&T mean when they talk of a panorama “strike”?

What do pan people really mean when they talk about a panorama "strike" ? As a former union negotiator and local lodge president (LL 2503 0f the IAM&AW), I've always taken a strike very seriously , since the idea was to pressure the employer by withholding skilled labor and forcing a compromise. I've always considered … Continue reading What do Pan People in T&T mean when they talk of a panorama “strike”? →

A critique of the fabulous Big 5 Steelband concert.

In spite of the uneven audio quality of the webcast via YouTube, I enjoyed the Big 5 concert immensely. The bands all displayed the highest quality of steelband excellence , and it must have been a joy to be present for the live performance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kr91t5PO_Ho However , in spite of my enjoyment , I couldn't … Continue reading A critique of the fabulous Big 5 Steelband concert. →

Tourism , culture and the steelband

Time and time again we hear complaints that the T&T government isn't doing enough to promote the steelband , and culture in general. I myself have noted that in my forty plus years in the Northeast USA I've seen few if any features , commercials etc. extolling the virtues of T&T , and encouraging foreigners … Continue reading Tourism , culture and the steelband →