Caption: Machel Montano performing at bpTT Pan Lime on Thursday. BPTT Renegades tune for Panorama 2025 is Montano’s Bet Meh
AZP News Commentary
By Dr Neil Gosine
THE recent articles from the newspapers highlight a crucial conversation on the development of steelpan music in Trinidad and Tobago.
They emphasise the need for partnerships between corporate sponsors, government agencies, and pan organisations to ensure the sustainable growth of the national instrument.
However, while such collaborations are essential, they must be founded on fairness, transparency, and a merit-based process especially when it comes to national competitions.
Panorama, the largest and most prestigious steel pan competition in Trinidad and Tobago, plays a central role in celebrating and advancing the country’s cultural heritage.
Steelpan is not just an art form, it is a foundation of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural identity. The instrument’s global recognition as a symbol of creativity and “we culture” is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the pannists movement, arrangers, and community groups.
The growth of this cultural treasure depends on support from both public and private sectors. However, when these partnerships begin to cross over the lines between development and unfair preference, concerns naturally arise.
While the article in the newspaper celebrates the Renegades Steel Orchestra’s role in promoting pan, with references to their historical success and ties to energy sector sponsors, questions of fairness have emerged.
There is no doubt that Renegades is a respected and accomplished group, but any perception that the government, particularly under the PNM, is favouring one band because of its energy connections erodes the integrity of the entire pan movement and the esteem competitions.
Such perceptions threaten the credibility of Panorama, which should always be a platform where all bands, regardless of their sponsors, have an equal opportunity to showcase their talent and hard work.
It is worth noting that under the UNC administration, Panorama was widely seen as a fair and equitable competition, free from the shadow of political influence.
Bands competed on a level playing field, with results that reflected musical excellence, creativity, and performance. The comparison in public perception between the two administrations raises important questions about the role of government in cultural affairs.
Government involvement in culture should promote inclusivity and diversity, not the advancement of groups that align with particular interests.
If the public begins to believe that the energy ministry ties or political affiliations are influencing competition outcomes, it gives the perception that the process may not be fair and it diminishes the value of the accomplishments of those who win. Panorama is meant to celebrate the best in pan, determined solely by musical excellence, just sweet pan, and not by sponsorship affiliations or political influence.
Corporate sponsorships are vital for securing the resources that steelbands need to thrive. However, the government has a responsibility to ensure that these relationships do not compromise the fairness of this beloved national event. The Pan must not become a stage for political manoeuvring or corporate favouritism.
Just like the UNC the movement itself emphasizes the need to unite communities and represent the spirit of the nation. Ensuring that every steelband competes on a level playing field and continues to grow our pride associated with the national instrument.
The collaborations between cooperating sponsors and the steelbands must be guided by principles of fairness and equity. The integrity of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural heritage depends on transparency and meritocracy. Panorama, as the nation’s premier steel pan competition, must remain a symbol of fairness, unity, and musical excellence. Why bring political influence or favouritism in something that political influence has no place in.
Neil Gosine is an insurance executive, sometimes a temporary Opposition Senator, an ex-treasurer of the UNC and a former chairman of the National Petroleum Marketing Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NP). He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, a Master’s in Business Administration MBA, BSC in Mathematics and a BA in Administrative Studies. The views and comments expressed in this column are not necessarily those of AZP News, a Division of Complete Image Limited
A Favourite Steelband?
Caption: Machel Montano performing at bpTT Pan Lime on Thursday. BPTT Renegades tune for Panorama 2025 is Montano’s Bet Meh
AZP News Commentary
THE recent articles from the newspapers highlight a crucial conversation on the development of steelpan music in Trinidad and Tobago.
They emphasise the need for partnerships between corporate sponsors, government agencies, and pan organisations to ensure the sustainable growth of the national instrument.
However, while such collaborations are essential, they must be founded on fairness, transparency, and a merit-based process especially when it comes to national competitions.
Panorama, the largest and most prestigious steel pan competition in Trinidad and Tobago, plays a central role in celebrating and advancing the country’s cultural heritage.
Steelpan is not just an art form, it is a foundation of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural identity. The instrument’s global recognition as a symbol of creativity and “we culture” is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the pannists movement, arrangers, and community groups.
The growth of this cultural treasure depends on support from both public and private sectors. However, when these partnerships begin to cross over the lines between development and unfair preference, concerns naturally arise.
While the article in the newspaper celebrates the Renegades Steel Orchestra’s role in promoting pan, with references to their historical success and ties to energy sector sponsors, questions of fairness have emerged.
There is no doubt that Renegades is a respected and accomplished group, but any perception that the government, particularly under the PNM, is favouring one band because of its energy connections erodes the integrity of the entire pan movement and the esteem competitions.
Such perceptions threaten the credibility of Panorama, which should always be a platform where all bands, regardless of their sponsors, have an equal opportunity to showcase their talent and hard work.
It is worth noting that under the UNC administration, Panorama was widely seen as a fair and equitable competition, free from the shadow of political influence.
Bands competed on a level playing field, with results that reflected musical excellence, creativity, and performance. The comparison in public perception between the two administrations raises important questions about the role of government in cultural affairs.
Government involvement in culture should promote inclusivity and diversity, not the advancement of groups that align with particular interests.
If the public begins to believe that the energy ministry ties or political affiliations are influencing competition outcomes, it gives the perception that the process may not be fair and it diminishes the value of the accomplishments of those who win. Panorama is meant to celebrate the best in pan, determined solely by musical excellence, just sweet pan, and not by sponsorship affiliations or political influence.
Corporate sponsorships are vital for securing the resources that steelbands need to thrive. However, the government has a responsibility to ensure that these relationships do not compromise the fairness of this beloved national event. The Pan must not become a stage for political manoeuvring or corporate favouritism.
Just like the UNC the movement itself emphasizes the need to unite communities and represent the spirit of the nation. Ensuring that every steelband competes on a level playing field and continues to grow our pride associated with the national instrument.
The collaborations between cooperating sponsors and the steelbands must be guided by principles of fairness and equity. The integrity of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural heritage depends on transparency and meritocracy. Panorama, as the nation’s premier steel pan competition, must remain a symbol of fairness, unity, and musical excellence. Why bring political influence or favouritism in something that political influence has no place in.
Neil Gosine is an insurance executive, sometimes a temporary Opposition Senator, an ex-treasurer of the UNC and a former chairman of the National Petroleum Marketing Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NP). He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, a Master’s in Business Administration MBA, BSC in Mathematics and a BA in Administrative Studies. The views and comments expressed in this column are not necessarily those of AZP News, a Division of Complete Image Limited