A tsunami of steelpan lovers descended on the little village of Tamana on Saturday, March 19 as Pan Trinbago held the first in its series Pan in De Countryside for 2016.
People came as is the custom, from all over Trinbago, to be a part of this know-your-country community steelbands concerts put on by Pan Trinbago Inc. The results were the same as usual. Most people never visited this village before, and would have never found reason or just cause to visit this remote part of Trinidad had it not been for this initiative of the steelpan fraternity.
The community concert was held at the Tamana Pioneers Steel Orchestra Pan Yard and started promptly at 4 pm by the evening’s master of ceremonies Richard Forteau, Secretary of Pan Trinbago. The participants were, Star Sapphire Steel Orchestra, which started the evening’s entertainment with its exciting repertoire. The performance was paused for a short period to facilitate the Catholic community celebration of their Palm Sunday March to the church at the top of the hill overlooking the pan yard.
This was led by visiting priest Father Trevor Nathasingh. The priest, as I was told, complimented Pan Trinbago on its initiative during his service, as quite a number pan patrons attended the service and received their palms. Following Star Sapphire’s performance was Option One, a new ensemble out of the area, consisting of steelpans, keyboard and bass guitar. They had most patrons shuffling their feet to the sweet sounds and choice of music.
By this time, we were graced with the presence of the councillor for the area Rajkumar Bagaloo, chairman of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation Terry Rondon, who joined with the president of Pan Trinbago, Keith Diaz to bring greetings to the growing crowd, and the newly-appointed mayor of the City of Port-of-Spain, Keron Valentine.
The concert continued with a scintillating performance by the Sangre Grande Cordettes Steel Orchestra, followed by a surprising and very entertaining performance by the host steelband, the Tamana Pioneers, which had patrons dancing throughout. Tamana Pioneers represented themselves and their community with distinction.
Here again we were graced by the presence of line minister, Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, and MP for St Ann’s East, Minister of Public Administration and Communications, Maxie Cuffie, MP for La Horquetta/Talparo, Hermia Tyson-Cuffie, retired PS, Ministry of Culture, Christine Newallo-Hosein, MP for Cumuto/Manzanilla, Mrs Diaz, Deputy PS, Community Development, Susan Corbett, Director of Community Development, amongst others.
After the ministers brought greetings, the entertainment continued with the Red Hill D’Abadie limbo dancers who literally went down low and the crowd showed their appreciation with loud applause. Next in line was Diatonic Pan Institute coming all the way from Siparia to delight the patrons with a splendid performance, and the ministers tapped their feet and shook a little to the pulsating rhythms of the steelpan.
Bringing down the house was the band most patrons stayed to the very end to hear, the 11-time National Panorama champions, and current National Panorama 2016 champions, Desperadoes, which played as only they can, and the fans danced and sang along to the very familiar numbers. They brought the house down with the crowd’s 2016 favourite Panorama tune, 5Star Akil’s Different Me, arranged by Carlton “Zanda” Alexander.
The evening was well spent. Everyone was happy to the extent that they all got what they came for; a drive through our scenic countryside to discover the village of Tamana, through the eyes of our National Instrument, the steelpan. The people of Tamana extended hospitality and their various cuisines for sale, which brought into the community an increase of income-generating activities that were pleasing to all.
Pan Trinbago Inc president Keith Diaz joins his entire executive and staff to thank especially the farmers, who held their market and all products were sold out. Everyone got value for money. It was time well spent, in the true meaning. Special thanks are also extended to the priest who brought fellowship and palms to those who desired and to “the God who is a Trinbagonian” for fine weather, safety, peace, love and harmony.
To the patrons and steelpan lovers, keep your ears open for your next know your country tour with Pan In De Countryside, where we promote steel pan and heightened village commerce. Thanks to the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, for recognising the Power of the Steelpan.
Michael L Joseph,
Public Relations Officer,
Pan Trinbago Inc