By Prior Beharry
THE tittle sponsors of Panorama 2024 is bpTT.
A release by the energy giant on Friday stated, “bpTT is pleased to announce the deepening of its partnership with Pan Trinbago to become the organisation’s title sponsor for the 2024 Panorama competition as part of its ‘Pan Around D Clock’ initiative; a new pan initiative that celebrates the national instrument and the music that fuels this festival, while providing opportunities for the public to experience live performances from some of the nation’s top steelbands.”
It stated that it welcomes additional security measures being implemented by the national security agencies to provide a safe Carnival experience.
This comes after bpTT refused to give the National Carnival Commission (NCC) the use of a area near its head office at the Queen’s Park Savannah.
In a release on Tuesday, it stated, “bpTT notes with concern the contents of a private email between a company representative and the NCC which has been circulating on social media. bpTT can confirm that it has been in discussions with the National Carnival Commission on a proposal for use of a small area of the Savannah opposite bpTT’s head office during the Carnival season.
“The proposal was a new initiative as part of bpTT’s overall support for pan. It would have included a designated public space highlighting steel pan music including performances by steel bands, all open to the public. Having fully risk assessed this activity we took the decision to not move forward with the activity at this time.”
On Friday, bpTT stated that the measures have made it possible for live steelband performances originally envisaged as part of the ‘Pan Around D Clock’ initiative to be made available free to the public on designated days during the Carnival season.
It stated, “The performance space previously planned for opposite our head office has been relocated to the Carnival Village in the Queen’s Park Savannah – making it possible for a bigger and better carnival experience for the public.
“For over 54 years, bpTT has been a steadfast supporter of pan through its partnership with 12-time, and
reigning Panorama champions, the bp Renegades, and this new collaboration with Pan Trinbago and the
‘Pan Around D Clock’ initiative creates an opportunity to widen our participation in this national cultural
celebration.
“The support for Pan Trinbago reflects our confidence in the organization and enables them to create
memorable experiences for the public and for visitors to our shores. As we embark on this exciting
venture, bpTT reiterates its continued support for pan and the cultural richness it brings to Carnival and
the communities in which steelbands reside. We are honored to be a part of the festivities and are
confident that ‘Pan Around D Clock’ will resonate with enthusiasts, showcasing the exceptional talent
and spirit that defines Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago.”