Steel Expressions Orchestra SteelBand

Pan News from Trinidad & Tobago (January 2008)

Prayers for sight ... (brief pan news)
(Newsday News, Tuesday, January 1st, 2008)

RELATIVES of Bishops High School Tobago student, Gerrold Bronje Samuel, who is currently being treated in the United States for blindness, have invited the local church community, to join with them at the Dwight Yorke Stadium on January 12 for a praise and worship vigil to pray for healing for the 15-year-old. A tenor pan player with the Calvary Road Deliverance Tabernacle in Bon Accord, Gerrold is battling with a mysterious disease that is robbing him of his vision. Doctors in Tobago, Trinidad and now in the US, where he has spent almost the lastthree months, do not have a clue as to the cause.

The young man's mother, Maureen George-Samuel, a registered nurse employed with the Tobago Regional Health Authority, said her only son started going blind suddenly. After visits to several specialists, a decision was taken to send him to the US for treatment. Nonetheless, no diagnosis has been forthcoming from the experts abroad even with their superior technology. "I am convinced that only Almighty God can restore my son's vision. We need the intervention of the Mighty Healer," George-Samuel said. "So we are calling on the entire Body of Christ to join us at the Dwight York Stadium in a vigil of personal and corporate prayer to pray for a healing miracle for Gerrold. This is not about a religion or a particular church ... we want all prayer warriors ... what we want is for all 'Kingdom People' to join us in fellowship and agreement. We are inviting pastors to bring in contingents of their membership and officiate at different segments of the programme." Formal invitations have begun to be sent out to pastors, performance ministers and church groups to be part of the proceedings. The organisers are inviting interested parties to call and register at 399 0025 or 774 8895.

back to pan news main page

Pan Trinbago States Position
(Pantrinbago.com, Tuesday, January 1st, 2008)

Pan Trinbago is very concerned that certain bits of information of a negative nature are being put on centre stage by some media houses.

It is therefore obligatory that Pan Trinbago state the following:-

(1)

The relationship between Pan Trinbago and the State (through our line Minister) continues to be proper and healthy.

(2) The present line Minister Hon Marlene mc Donald has demonstrated a clear understanding of the Steelband situation.

(3) Pan Trinbago has no reason to express dissatisfaction with the agreements arrived at with the Minister i.e. (a) increasing the performers’ fee to one thousand dollars ($1000.00) and (b) meeting the Panorama 2007 revenue shortfall in the sum of $1.7 million.

The Association has been very pleased with the relationship that exists between us and the State.

Pan Trinbago’s official position is hereby stated.

From the News Desk of Pan Trinbago

back to pan news main page

Govt moves to end Carnival confusion ... (brief pan news)
By Sean Nero, (Trinidad Guardian, Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008)

The State intends to overhaul the administration of Carnival in T&T beginning with the drafting and publishing of plans for Carnival 2009 from as earlier as Ash Wednesday this year. Junia Regrello, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Culture told the Guardian that line Minister Marlene McDonald and the ministry's leadership team were about to draft policies designed to put an end to the chaos witnessed over the years leading up to and during the national festival. He said through extensive consultation between the State and the National Carnival Commission (NCC), as well as special interest groups Pan Trinbago, the National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA) and the Trinbago Unified Calypsonian Organisation (Tuco), "credible and forward thinking measures" should be derived to ease the tensions that occur at festival time.

Regrello pointed to the series of "ad hoc Carnival arrangements" being made by NCC and special interest groups which, in the end, led to the frustration of nationals and foreigners alike. "Look at what is happening now...One minute mas in North, then is mas in South...Carnival stands in the east then in the west ," he said. Regrello said between the NCC and the Culture Ministry little could be done to revise this year's Carnival celebrations and declared that the show must go on. He believed, however, that the number of unpleasant pre-Carnival situations witnessed so far offered Mc Donald and the Culture Ministry team a road map of things not to be done in the future. Regrello said looking on at what had been happening there needed to be more extensive and sustained levels of communication with special interests groups, better time lines for the presentation of their projects and improved event management.

Special Interest Groups respond

RICHARD FORTEAU, secretary of Pan Trinbago: "That is a forward thinking move. Carnival is a year-round activity, so from Ash Wednesday we have to put forward plans. "Pan Trinbago meets with its membership several times during the year to discuss changes and improvements to Panorama. Pan Trinbago calls for what it wants early. "

MICHAEL LEGERTON, president of Tuco: "I can't comment on that right now. I'm in the middle of rehearsals at Strand with Kaiso House from tomorrow night's opening. "

Owen Hinds, president of the NCBA: "Anything to improve Carnival, the NCBA would discuss and approve; once it is best for Carnival. At this point the NCC is responsible for Carnival."

back to pan news main page

Tough challenge for Skiffle Bunch
By Sean Nero, (Trinidad Guardian, Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008)

For the first time in three decades, TCL Group Skiffle Bunch Steel Orchestra will take the Panorama stage without Junia Regrello firmly at its helm. It would also be the first time over the same period that the name of this recognised steelband administrator and former Pan Trinbago official would not be emblazoned on the banner as leader. Regrello told the Guardian when he threw “his hat” into the political ring as the People’s National Movement (PNM) candidate for the constituency of San Fernando West, he knew things were about to change drastically.

He admitted that upon becoming an elected Member of Parliament, after the November 5 general election, he had cause to rethink his front-line leadership role in the accomplished San Fernando-based steel orchestra. He is now the Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs, alongside Minister of State Donna Cox and line Minister Marlene McDonald. While he would retain the position as chairman and chief executive officer of Skiffle Bunch, Regrello has given up his executive powers.

The band would now be governed by a management committee. “This would be the first time in 33 years that Skiffle Bunch will cross the stage and you would not hear ‘led by Junia Regrello’,” Regrello said. “I have had enough time to think about it...I am now at a level where I have to push all the cultural facets of T&T to another level.” However, he feared that without his hands-on involvement, Skiffle Bunch’s chances of making the 2008 Panorama finals would not be good. “I have done things a particular way for over 33 years and people have come to rely on me...Now they have to fill my shoes,” he said. “Persons with leadership qualities—young and old—would have to come to the fore. “The band is very much a young band in term of its members...Now would be their chance to step forward and take charge, as the future.”

Regrello: 2007 a difficult year

On December 22, Regrello presented the band’s year-end review at its annual dinner held at its panyard which was dominated by news of disappointing twist and turns for Skiffle Bunch. However, he said the series of negative events had shown the true strength of his membership. A big blow was the orchestra’s failure to make last year’s historic Panorama finals which was held in its backyard at Skinner Park. It was the first time in 12 years. “People saw the strength of the band to stay rehearsing and make a credible showing on Carnival Monday and Tuesday,” Regrello “Then, Skiffle was suppose to go to Asia, two weeks after Carnival, but something terrible occurred. “Two days before we were scheduled to travel I got a call from the Culture Ministry saying that the tour was withdrawn and given to another band.”

Giving back to charity

As bleak as things seemed, Skiffle Bunch showed its mettle by staying focused and used its resources to raise funds for an unsponsored steelband, as well as the Mayor of San Fernando Charity Fund. This was achieved through the staging of a music production titled Skiffle Bunch Charity Concert. “Tickets were priced at $200 for a panyard event,” Regrello said. “There were no guests artistes...The band carried the concert for two-and-a-half hours. “It was our flagship event because we gave rather than received.”

Two tours Despite the Asian setback, Skiffle Bunch managed to successfully complete two other international engagements to the United States capital of Washington, DC, for the Conference of the Caribbean and then to Havana, Cuba, as part of cultural contingent that accompanied a trade delegation led by Prime Minister Patrick Manning.

Little Bunch

Little Bunch, the four-year-old youth arm of Skiffle Bunch, remains as vibrant as ever. This group is the nursery for Skiffle Bunch. However, the band’s management delicately balances the challenges by ensuring pannists attend rehearsals while maintaining excellent grades at school.

back to pan news main page

View on Panorama 2008
(Trinidad Express, Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008 .... Originally written to Trinidad Express, Wednesday, December 19, 2007 from Pamberi Manager, Nestor Sullivan)

This letter appeared in the Express on Wednesday 19 December as a letter to the Editor. It also appeared in the Newsday on Friday 21 December in the Commentary section. Just thought that I will pass it on to you for the benefit of the pan-jumbie family. The truth is that steelbands are being sold-out by Pan Trinbago officers whose only interest is to line their pockets with government handouts. This is the first installment, will keep you up-dated with the others. Happy New Year
Nestor

Dear Editor,

Please permit me some space in your newspaper to express my view on Panorama 2008

It was announced recently that the finals of this competition will be held in Skinner Park, San Fernando for the second year in succession. I read in one of the dailies that there was some measure of dissatisfaction amongst pan people on this issue.

The article quoted representatives of five bands in the 'Large-Band' category, two bands were completely against the idea of going back south this year while three were indifferent. At the end of the article there is a quotation from the president of Pan Trinbago stating that ..."I thought things would have been different this year..." He then went on to give reasons why things are not 'different this year', these are as follows:

(1) Venue at Queens Park Savannah is too small for a Panorama Finals
(2) Time is too short to make changes

Pan Trinbago held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in October 2007 at the Crowne Plaza. I remember the issue of the venue for the Finals coming up and the president told the AGM that it was not yet decided upon. At that same AGM a member band reported that on a TV news broadcast of a political meeting in San Fernando, a certain party was claiming the following from the platform:

"We brought Panorama Finals to San Fernando in 2007 and we will bring it (Panorama Finals) back in 2008"

Now, who is fooling who ? The president says "not yet decided" and the politicians say "back to south". They are both saying this in October 2007. It happened that the politicians were right and the president of Pan Trinbago was dead wrong, the matter was decided. so back to south we go, like it or not.

There seem to be two main factors operating here, these are:

1. Weak Representation

When the platform announced that "we brought the Panorama to San Fernando in 2007 and we will bring it again in 2008", they had to be correct. The "WE" referred to there is not the Steelband Movement represented by their organisation, Pan Trinbago. It refers to "we" the politicians. They are the ones who decide where Panorama Finals are held in Trinidad and Tobago.

It is the same as asking the British government..' where will the FA Cup Finals be held' ? Or asking the United Nations to select a venue for the Olympic Games. In both instances the representative organisations will be the appropriate authority to seek the correct answers.

Pan Trinbago surrendered that right and must now do as they are told. Experienced pan people criticised the Skinner Park Finals in 2007, some points made were as follows:

Stage too small - difficulty in getting the right set-up

Stage too far from audience

Sound System did not do justice to the quality of tuning

Absence of the "Drag" for a proper warm-up

Difficulty and price of Transportation

Lack of supporters from East/West corridor

The Skinner Park Finals featured fourteen bands from the E/W corridor, one from Central and one from San Fernando. Transportation alone accounted for more than one million dollars ($1,000,000), this is more money than what the first placed band received. The transporters had no ten percent (10%) deduction going to Pan Trinbago either.

2. Poor Negotiating Skills

After all the problems of 2007 the president of Pan Trinbago and most of us thought that things would have been different this year (2008). They are not, and we must go back to Skinner Park for a second year running.

The bands were not in agreement with another year in Skinner Park, executive officers of pan trinbago were not in favour, elements in the NCC seemed to have wanted a return to the Savannah yet we must go back to Skinner Park.

The responsibility for this lies squarely on the laps of the steelband organisation. They had to bring the issues to the attention of the 'authorities', demand a proper venue for your most important event and ensure the best conditions for their membership.

Finally, the argument that a Skinner Park Finals will revive the south steelbands that are dormant, may be a little off. These bands need sponsorship, opportunities to perform (locally and internationally), year-round programmes to keep them active, opportunities for recording and experimenting, etc. They like all other bands in Trinidad and Tobago also need a strong and serious organization to seek our interests...not to sell those interests to the highest bidder.

Nestor Sullivan
Manager
Pamberi Steel Orchestra
San Juan

back to pan news main page

back to pan news main page

Pan Trinbago Clears The Air
(Pantrinbago.com, Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008, 6:16:56 AM)

Pan Trinbago is very concerned that certain bits of information of a negative nature are being put on centre stage by some media houses.

It is therefore obligatory that Pan Trinbago state the following:-

(1) The relationship between Pan Trinbago and the State (through our line Minister) continues to be proper and healthy.

(2) The present line Minister Hon Marlene mc Donald has demonstrated a clear understanding of the Steelband situation.

(3) Pan Trinbago has no reason to express dissatisfaction with the agreements arrived at with the Minister i.e. (a) increasing the performers’ fee to one thousand dollars ($1000.00) and (b) meeting the Panorama 2007 revenue shortfall in the sum of $1.7 million.

The Association has been very pleased with the relationship that exists between us and the State.

Pan Trinbago’s official position is hereby stated.

back to pan news main page

Parang & Steel in fine Style
By Sean Nero, (Trinidad Guardian, Thursday, January 3rd, 2008)

Reigning Pan in the 21st Century champion Silver Stars Steel Orchestra has culminated its five-week entertainment programme titled Parang and Steel in fine style. Venue was its Tragarete Road, Newtown, headquarters where the orchestra left patrons asking for more at the season finale held on December 15. Bringing together a ripened mix of pan, calypso, soca, soca parang and authentic serenal the champion steel orchestra gave fans a gift music. Judging from its responses that audience was simply thrilled.

Skatie (Carlos James); Crazy (Edwin Ayoung); Chucky (Roderick Gordon); and, La Divina Pastora along with host Silver Stars formed the cast at the entertainment showcase. Parang and Steel attracted its perennial large audiences, in spite of inclement weather on some evenings, as well as scenes of patrons dancing, laughing and socialising at every turn; features that have been consistent throughout the presentations. Silver Stars leader Edwin Pouchet was showered with kudos from patrons who expressed satisfaction with the quality of the product. They went on to encourage the band to continue in its quest for excellence and wished Silver Stars all success in the upcoming national Panorama competition. Silver Stars, which normally competes in the medium category in the Panorama contest, would appear in the large band category this year.

back to pan news main page

State, PanTrinbago just cool
(Newsday News, Thursday, January 3rd, 2008)

THERE is no disharmony in the relationship between Pan Trinbago and the State. In a release, Pan Trinbago stated this relationship continues to be "proper and healthy." The release added that the present Culture Minister Marlene Mc Donald "has demonstrated a clear understanding of the Steelband situation." "Pan Trinbago has no reason to express dissatisfaction with the agreements arrived at with the Minister, that is, increasing the performers' fee to $1000 and meeting the Panaroma 2007 revenue shortfall in the sum of $1.7M," the release stated. Pan Trinbago further reiterated its position by saying that "the Association has been very pleased with the relationship that exists between us and the State." Pan Trinbago said that its position needed to be clarified after "certain bits of information of a negative nature" were being "put centre stage by some media houses."

back to pan news main page

All systems in place for Carnival 2008 ... (brief pan news)
By Michelle Loubon, (Trinidad Guardian, Friday, January 4th, 2008)

Culture Minister Marlene McDonald says beautification work on Queen's Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, will be completed by January 15, and It will facilitate the first carnival show—the National Panorama semifinals—scheduled January 20. She gave this assurance during yesterday’s post-Cabinet news briefing at Whitehall. “Work is proceeding. It will be finished by January 15. It will be done well before the first show on January 20. The Kings and Queens semifinals will be held at Queen’s Park Savannah.” McDonald sought to dispel concerens that this year’s Carnival would not be held. “I want to allay fears and public concern. Carnival will go on. TUCO...NCC...We want to ensure all preparations are in place. We are on top of Carnival 2008,” added McDonald, who said she had adopted an “open door policy.”

Quizzed on why Carnival was always “delayed by controversies,” such as the protest by masmen over failure to agree on compensation from 2007's production, she said she did not see any “bacchanal.” “I don't see it as a bacchanal. It is about different personalities,” she added. Forteau pleased with progress When contacted, Pan Trinibago's secretary Richard Forteau said he and its president Patrick Arnold had visited the site during the Christmas season, and they were pleased with its progress. “The stand is being erected; things are being done. We had paid a visit before Christmas. She said it would be handed over on January 15. We are pleased that things are on stream.” Forteau said the space on the North Greens was expected to accommodate about 2, 500 patrons.

back to pan news main page

Remembering Nappy
(Trinidad Guardian, Friday, January 4th, 2008)

Hapee New Year to all panatics!

I wish for you in 2008 pan as sweet as Caroni brown sugar. For panmen, I wish an early payment of their $1,000 Smackeroons. Now, lets get serious. I want to open the year on a nostalgic note. I often wonder what magic would have been created by the late Richard “Nappy” Mayers had he done a pan song. Don’t doubt me, it would have been special, like deceased Andre Tanker’s Steelband Times. Ten days ago, December 23 to be exact, my thoughts focused on this master composer, musician, performer and producer who was felled by a heart attack at the tender age of 42. Although we got great songs from Nappy, his best was yet to come. Sometimes I wish we could bring back the ole time days, when everyone was so happy...but then those days done pass and gone, and life must carry on.

Keep Your Eyes On Despers

My spies came to me in an ecstatic mood, telling me to watch Witco Desperadoes for Panorama 2008. They tell me the band is playing Ten Commandments of Pan, sung by Tony Prescott. Boy, they say, it sounding really Despers (good), arranged by Robert “Sugar Hand” Greenidge. All the tune needs now is a smashing introduction. The pannists, I understand, are happy like pappy with the tune. The last time Despers won Panorama was in 2000. The Buzz feels it’s high time Despers recapture its magic, and premier position.

Take A Bow, Witco

I am a man who likes to give Jack his jacket, and Jim his gym boots (jim boots). So today I’m in a congratulatory mood. I previously commended Scotiabank on its 30 years of supporting steelbands, now it’s the turn of Witco (West Indian Tobacco Company). This patriotic corporate citizen has sponsored Despers for some 43 years. Wow! That’s fantastic. My research has shown that Witco Desperadoes is now the oldest sponsored steelband. Would you believe the sponsorship started in 1965?

When The Gates Fly

The late Lloyd Best once said “when the lights are on you, you can’t rehearse.” Well, performance time is nigh and that goes for the “Big Bands,” medium small bands, and single pans bands. Since October, many of these bands have been getting their act together. Elimination for the big guns at “the Savannah Party,” is a mere 16 days away, with the national Panorama Finals returning to Skinner Park, San Fernando on Carnival Saturday, February 2. Bands must be ready when the gates fly! nuff said.

Nothing From ‘Mr Dollar Wine’

I bumped into the man they call “Mr Dollar Wine,” one of T&T’s top musician/composer/performer of Sound Revolution fame. By now you should know I’m talking about Colin Lucas. Colin gave us one of the classic pan songs—Pan Is Mine—in recent times. I asked “Mr Dollar Wine” when could we expect another gem from this respected musical son. His body language suggested it wasn’t going to be in a hurry. Mr Dollar Wine was disappointed over the dismantling of the Pan Song Monarch Competition, which he won some years ago with Pan Is Mine, blowing away the competition. I, too, am at a loss to understand why such a competition has not taken place over the years. Is some smart promoter out there listening? Hint, hint.

back to pan news main page

Skiffle Bunch returns
By Sean Nero, (Trinidad Guardian, Friday, January 4th, 2008)

Former World Steelband Music Festival champion TCL Group Skiffle Bunch Steel Orchestra ended 2007 in positive territory despite a series of disappointing twist and turns. The band failed to advance to the finals of the 2007 National Panorama competition after 12 consecutive appearances. Ironically, this happened when Pan Trinbago took the unprecedented decision to hold the competition at Skinner Park, San Fernando, for the first time in its history. Just as Skiffle Bunch was recovering, the band was pulled from a State-funded tour of Asia two days before departure and replaced by another orchestra.

Members were left devastated.

No one could tell of the band’s misfortunes over the past year, however, judging from the festive atmosphere the pervaded its annual Christmas dinner held on December 22 at its Coffee Street, San Fernando headquarters. The band bounced back nicely and went on to stage a self-titled charity concert at its pan yard. Proceeds were shared between unsponsored south steelband Pan Elders and the San Fernando Mayor Charity Fund. Additionally, the band travelled to Washington, DC and Havana, Cuba where pannists performed creditably and continued to spread the steelband gospel. The resolve of the Skiffle Bunch family had been strengthened and the pannists are again ready to put their best foot forward this year—obstacles or not.

back to pan news main page

Remembering 'TJ'
By Kristy Ramnarine, kramnarine@trinidadexpress.com, (Trinidad Express, Friday, January 4th, 2008)

MEMBERS of the media and the cultural fraternity poured out their heartfelt support to the family of cultural aficionado and writer Terry Joseph yesterday. The 60-year-old, who had been battling with prostate cancer for the past year, passed away around 7 p.m. Wednesday at his wife Laini Gilliam-Joseph's home in Douglasville, Georgia, USA. In his last Express column on August 25, 2006-which was a month shy of 27 years since Joseph was first invited to publish his opinion in the Express-he said media had been his career choice since schooldays. He first "tried his hand" at the newspaper business with Trevor "Burnt Boots" Smith, who launched a weekly newspaper called The Challenge. At that time, Joseph was the personnel and industrial relations manager at Carib Brewery and Glassworks.

After his inaugural publication, Keith Smith, of the Trinidad Express, offered him a job to become a Sunday Express columnist. The Challenge did not last, but his Sunday Express involvement expanded to include sporadic critique of indigenous arts until 1983, when Carib demanded his singular focus. Some five years later, Trinidad Guardian news editor Lennox Grant contacted him to write a story after the sudden death of lifelong friend and president general of the Steel Workers Association, George Camps. Grant then offered him freelance work and not long after, Joseph started writing entertainment stories for the evening news and daily Guardian and columns for the Sunday Guardian. He then took up the editor position at the Punch newspapers before becoming assistant editor of the Friday Mirror, until National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman Alfred Aguiton offered him a job. Not long after, he returned to freelance writing for the Sunday Guardian, then Keith Smith again invited him to assume the position of Entertainment Specialist with the Express.

Though a journalist by profession, Joseph was also deeply involved in the country's cultural art form of mas, calypso and pan, according to National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA) president, Owen Hinds, who extended condolences on behalf of the organisation. Joseph's will receive a cultural send-off at his funeral, which is scheduled to take place at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya, next Thursday, at a time to be announced.

Tributes to Joseph:

Dr Slinger Francisco (Mighty Sparrow)

The news of Joseph's death was one of the biggest shocks in my life. I saw Terry just a few weeks ago, we were in Mas Camp Pub liming. I am very bereaved over this and would like to expressed condolences to his family. Terry was one of the stalwarts of Trinidad especially as a writer.

Ainsworth Mohammed

He was in fact at one time the leading entertainment journalist in the country and he had a wealth of knowledge on all things cultural. He was a very knowledgeable guy in other respects and he was certainly a very good person to hang with who was full of humour.

Lennox Grant (Journalist)

I was sorry to see him go when he wrote his final Express column in August 2006, and now grieve that the Trinidad and Tobago media are terminally the poorer for the permanent absence of his contributions. Now that so much of the media product is turned out, rather than written with style, flourish and a shared sense of joy, and leveraged rather than edited, Terry Joseph's loss tolls a reminder for how journalism used to be, and how some so-called old stagers think it still could be. TJ made his mark as much by his journalism as by the multifarious involvements of his restless life. He lately vowed to "go down wining," and I had hoped, in vain, his going down would be a slow wine.

Andy Johnson (Journalist)

He was to me someone who showed me how to live first class. He relished the good life, and he had talent enough to afford to live in style, which he did. He had an impressive command of language, and he had a fulsome sense of wit and humour, which made his writings s arresting most of the time. But he was much more than that. Terry has more than brushing acquaintance with the inner workings of so many aspects of human endeavour. He knew how to throw a good fete. He had considerable organisational, management and leadership skills. He had been in industrial relations, he understood public relations and marketing, he was steeped in the understanding of culture, ours and other people's. He was literate in music, and he could speak authoritatively about science and technology, about architecture, engineering and much more. In many ways he was a social and cultural pioneer, a trendspotter and a trendsetter, a bon vivant and a raconteur. It is not be accident that he was foremost among those who established the National Carnival Bands Association and the National Carnival Development Foundation, the Panyard Sensations programme and the Laventille Steelband Festival, among many other endeavours. As a journalist he was a towering resource, physically, creatively and intellectually.

Pan Trinbago

Pan Trinbago commiserates with the relatives of Terrence (Terry) Joseph, who sadly departed this life on the night of Wednesday 2nd January 2008. The relationship that existed between Pan Trinbago and Terry Joseph was both professional and symbiotic. As a journalist and culture activist, Terry Joseph stood at the top of the game. The world of journalism and culture would surely miss the talents of Terry. Pan Trinbago Inc. mourns the passing of a friend and member.

back to pan news main page

Pan prelims kick off Monday
(Newsday News, Friday, January 4th, 2008)

PRELIMINARY judging for Panorama 2008 begins Monday with single pan bands in three of Pan Trinbago’s four regions East, North and South/Central, taking centre stage. The first bands to face the five-person adjudication panel in the East will be Marsicans at their panyard in Mausica, Arima; Spree Simon Harmonics at Picton and Eastern Main Road, Laventille in the North; and Rio Claro Koskeros at Railway Road, Rio Claro in the South/Central region. Judging starts at 7 pm. Tobago will have its turn on January 12 when six bands, starting with Tobago Panthers at the Golden Lane Government Primary School courtyard at 6.30 pm and culminating with Metro Stars at the Pembroke Community Centre, at 10 pm.

Judging of conventional bands will begin next Wednesday. The exercise continues the following day in the South/Central and eastern regions. On January 12, it’s day two of judging for the small bands in the northern region. From January 12 to 15 adjudication continues in all zones and categories with the exception of large bands. As was the case last year, registered steel orchestras in this category will proceed to the semi-finals. However, the public will have an opportunity to hear their Panorama selections as they are required to perform on the designated nights for their players to qualify for the remittance fee.

Because of prior contractual engagements, reigning pan champs Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars will perform on January 12 and Caribbean Airlines Invaders on January 14. Both are in the conventional large band category. At the close of registration, 79 conventional bands and 61 single pan bands were listed to participate in the preliminary round of competitions. From the above, 42 conventional bands will be selected for the semi-finals at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, on January 20, beginning at 11 am while 32 single bands contest their semi-finals opposite Victoria Square, Park Street, on January 26 at 6 pm. The finals for medium and large conventional bands will be held at Skinner Park, San Fernando, on February 2 at 6 pm. Small conventional bands and single pan bands finals will take place on January 20 at the Queen’s Park Savannah.

back to pan news main page

NCBA mourns Terry Joseph
(Newsday News, Friday, January 4th, 2008)

The body of journalist and culture activist Terry Joseph is expected to be flown to TT this weekend and a funeral service is being planned for next week at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya. Joseph, 60, died in Douglasville, Georgia, US on Wednesday night after battling prostate cancer over the past year. His wife Laini Gilliam-Joseph and relatives were with him. She will accompany his body on the return trip home. Meanwhile, the National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA) yesterday mourned Joseph's passing. He was a former chairman of the NCBA. In a release, NCBA president Owen Hinds said, "Terry Joseph was a journalist by profession but was also deeply involved in the entertainment industry and in the cultural artforms of mas, calypso and pan. His involvement in the mas aspect of Carnival got going in the early eighties when together with Robert Giuseppi, they formed a Carnival group coming out of Belmont called Rabs Immortelle."

Hinds said the band produced some memorable presentations of which Joseph was an integral part both in organisation and costuming. In 1987, Joseph became a foundation member of the NCBA, "an off-shoot of the Carnival Bandleaders Association and two years later after the resignation of Edmund Hart, Terry was elected chairman of the NCBA." In 1991, with the formation of the National Carnival Commission (NCC), the umbrella body for Carnival, Joseph was nominated by the NCBA to the NCC Board as a commissioner representing the interests of the mas fraternity. Hinds extended condolences to Joseph's family, friends and associates. Giuseppi yesterday said he knew Joseph from school days when they were 13-years-old. Joseph attended Trinity College Giuseppi, Fatima College. He recalled Joseph's love of music and several visits to Joseph's home for jam sessions on his piano. Giuseppi was still in shock over the death of a "great friend." "He made contributions to our culture and industrial relations as a human resource manager for Carib workers." Giuseppi extended sympathy to Joseph's wife and, family and wished them strength as they try "to do without such a wonderful personality."

back to pan news main page

Panorama 2008 Selections
(Pantrinbago.com, Friday, January 4th, 2008, 9:37:59 AM)

At least ten (10) Conventional steelbands in the South/Central (5) and Eastern regions (5) have selected Winston Scarborough's "Latin on de Court" as their tune of choice in this year's Panorama competition.

De Fosto, as he is also called, for the second consecutive year is the prime pan song composer and performer finding favour with the majority of arrangers.

Following a close second in terms of popularity with seven (7) plays is the Edwin Pouchet/Alvin Daniell's "Thunder Coming" sung by Chucky while "Celebration Time" composed by Edwin Pouchet/Mark Loquan and sung by Steve Sealy will be played six times.

Len "Boogsie" Sharpe's "Musical Vengeance" sung by Anslem Douglas is the choice of five steel orchestras in the Northern Region.

Other 2008 tunes performed by multiple bands are "Heat" (Amrit Samaroo), "Get Down" (Brian "Bean" Griffith/Alvin Daniell), "Puncenelli" (Winston Scarborough) and "Pimpilum Pilum" (Winston Bailey).

Several bands have elected to perform calypsoes from previous years including those of David Rudder, Chris Tambu Herbert, Sparrow, Kitchener, Baron, Machel Montano and Maestro.

Interestingly, Starland of Techier Village, Point Fortin, has chosen "Patrick We Stepping Up With You" composed and sung by Barnett "Preacher" Henry to perform before the judges.

For the purposes of the competition, each participating steelband may select and perform any calypso (whether from the current year or any previous year), as long as the same composition has not been played by said band in a Panorama competition.

Preliminary judging for Conventional Bands with the exception of the Large Bands will take place at panyards from Wednesday 09th January to Tuesday 15th January 2008 inclusive.

Defending Panorama Champions (Large Band) Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars will perform "Thunder Coming", Courts Sound Specialists of Laventille (Medium Band) has opted for "Hooked" with Petrotrin Siparia Deltones (Small Band) selecting "Whole Day" .

Angela A. Fox
Media/Communications

back to pan news main page

Pan Trinbago Mourns the Passing of Terry Joseph
(Pantrinbago.com, Friday, January 4th, 2008, 9:35:55 AM)

Pan Trinbago commiserates with the relatives of Terrence (Terry) Joseph, who sadly departed this life on the night of Wednesday 02nd January 2008.

The relationship that existed between Pan Trinbago and Terry Joseph was both professional and symbiotic.

As a journalist and culture activist, Terry Joseph stood at the top of the game.

The world of journalism and culture would surely miss the talents of Terry.

Pan Trinbago Inc. mourns the passing of a friend and member.

back to pan news main page

'Culture man' laid to rest ... (brief pan news)
(Trinidad Guardian, Saturday, January 5th, 2008)

Former senator Joan Yuille-Williams and businessman Louis Lee Sing yesterday spoke at the funeral of Dexter Peters, founder of Double X Workshop design company and Pan Maestros steelband. They were among several who gave remembrances at his funeral service held at the Holiness Revival Church on French St in Woodbrook. Peters was described as one who distinguished himself with his positive attitude, dedication to quality service, creativity under pressure and generosity. A father of four, Edwards was a former teacher at the John S Donaldson Technical Institute before founding his own home-based business, doing screen-printed T-shirts.

Double X Workshop evolved and grew over the years to include the production of banners, computerised designs as well as interior decoration. He was often called upon to provide the graphics and decor for national events, especially under the auspices of the Culture Ministry. He also provided T-shirts and promotional materials for the PNM party over the years. Peters worked for several years as the manager of T&TEC Power Stars Steel Orchestra, before establishing his band Pan Maestros, incorporating pan and conventional instruments. Pan music and song rang out at the church and at the graveside at the Western Cemetery in St James. Peters died on December 27, 2007, after an eight-month struggle with illness. He was 50. He leaves to mourn his wife Mildred "Julie" Peters, sons Dexnell and Darnell, and daughters Rhonda Peters and Erline Andrews. (GM)

back to pan news main page

Playboyz celebrates Christmas in style
By Sean Nero, (Trinidad Guardian, Saturday, January 5th, 2008)

Angostura Woodbrook Playboyz always comes in for high praise from members of the pan fraternity and the public-at-large for its excellent use of its Tragarete Road, Newtown, pan yard. Whether for Carnival mas band launchings, award ceremonies or concerts, the band’s base is now an established nerve centre for events of all types; where good company can be found, friends are made and having fun is a must. The vibes were no different on December 22, except that it was Playboyz time to share in all this niceness, exclusively, at its annual Christmas dinner. Together with friends and spouses, band members enjoyed a sumptuous meal, exchanged holidays greetings and cheer, all in keeping with the theme of Christmas.

back to pan news main page

Simple Song treats Arima kids
(Newsday News, Saturday, January 5th, 2008)

TROPICAL POWER Simple Song Steel Orchestra, hosted their third annual Christmas Treat for children in the areas surrounding the pan yard — Arima and environs, during the week before Christmas. The event was held at Island Café, Santa Rosa Heights, Arima, and children were treated to pony rides and face-painting, played games like musical chairs and were entertained by local songbird — Marilyn Williams. Of course the highlight of the evening was when Santa arrived bearing gifts for all 80 plus children who attended. Peggy Fortune, President of Tropical Power Simple Song noted: “This is the band’s way of giving back to our community and also encouraging the children of the community to become more involved with the members of the pan side. “Who knows what young up-coming pannist will be joining Tropical Power Simple Song because of the positive interactions at our Childrens’ Christmas parties?” Fortune said the party was wholly sponsored by Tropical Power Limited and wholly organised and coordinated by the members of Tropical Power Simple Song together with Island Cafe. The group has almost completed the re-construction of their new pan shed which they will be using for practice as they get down to the serious business of preparing for the upcoming Carnival season.

back to pan news main page

Pan prelims back in the Savannah Historic move
By Gary Cardinez, (Trinidad Express, Monday, January 7th, 2008)

There have been some changes in the plans for the staging of Panorama 2008 yet again even as panyard judging is due to kick off tonight. This was confirmed yesterday by Pan Trinbago president Patrick Arnold who gave definite confirmation that the panyard judging exercise has been definitely cancelled. "There will be no judging at all in the pan yards,"he stated. The National Panorama preliminary will be back in the Queen's Park Savannah for Carnival this year, the last time being 2001. Pan Trinbago held an emergency meeting on Saturday and came up with the changes which will ignite the glory days of pan preliminaries.Arrangements had previously been made to host the event at Skinner's Park, in San Fernando and already a large stage was constructed for the orchestras. Pantrinbago will host a media briefing today at Pan Trinbago heaquarters, 14 -17 Park Street, Port of Spain to announce the change.

According to Arnold, "We took this decision because most of the bands were complaining that they were not prepared for the judges." He cited "The short Carnival season and lack of rehearsals during the month of December as players did not come out to their respective pan yards." Arnold also said he received complaints from several bands that the National Steel Symphony will go on a retreat from today until Wednesday. This will take away players and arrangers and they cannot finish their song before the judges get to their pan yards. "I tried desperately to get the retreat postponed but I was told that all arrangements were already in place and it cannot be changed," said Arnold. Arnold told the Express the ideal situation would be each zone holding its own preliminary round.

Panorama kicks off on January 18, at Victoria Square with the Single Pan bands from the Northern and Eastern Regions. South will host its own preliminary with all Conventional and Single Pan Bands on January 19, at Skinner Park. The action then shifts to the Queen's Park Savannah, on January 20 where all bands from the North and East regions will play for the judges. The sister isle will have its turn on January 21, where all bands will compete on that day. The National Panorama semi-final will come off at the Queen's Park Savannah on January 27. Arnold said his organization will try its best to assist the bands with the cost of transportation for their instruments as much as possible. "I am also hoping the government will assist in this regards as we want to make the event a grand one." Arnold said however, the pan final will take place in Skinner Park, San Fernando.

back to pan news main page

New PRO for Angel Harps
(Newsday News, Monday, January 7th, 2008)

TROPICAL ANGEL Harps Steel Orchestra has appointed Cheryl Ryan-Mohammed as its Public Relations Officer. Ryan-Mohammed, who assumed the position on December 28, 2007, succeeds Ronald Brereton who had tendered his resignation earlier in 2007. Ryan-Mohammed, a resident of Lange Park, Chaguanas and an ardent supporter of Tropical Angel Harps, is a career public relations specialist having worked in several public relations and promotions establishments in Trinidad and Tobago. She has tremendous experience in the fields of events promotions and coordination and marketing, and will no doubt bring her wide range and varied experience to bear on the profile of Tropical Angel Harps Steel Orchestra commencing with the 2008 Panorama/Carnival season

Ryan-Mohammed joins the executive of the band which includes Clarry Benn, Manager, St Louis Chevalier, Asst Manager, Roosevelt Williams, Secretary, Portia Jones, Asst Secretary, Phillip Morris, Captain, Raymond Superville, Vice-Captain, Lennox Morris, Treasurer and Barry Nathaniel and Curtis Jones, Trustees. Tropical Angel Harps, based in Enterprise, Chaguanas placed fifth in the finals of the Large Bands category in 2007 and is currently hard at practice for Panorama 2008 with a Clarence Morris arrangement of De Fosto’s “Latin On De Court”. The band is expected to have a strong contingent of London-based players, led by its world-renowned percussionist Anthony Mason, who are all expected to arrive in Trinidad in time for the semi-finals.

back to pan news main page

Panyard judging for Panorama out
By Sean Nero, (Trinidad Guardian, Monday, January 7th, 2008)

THERE will be no preliminary judging in the panyard for this year’s national Panorama competition. The central executive of Pan Trinbago decided to abandon the system of panyard judging for one year only—for the first time in six years—during an emergency meeting on Saturday at the organisation’s Park Street headquarters. Panyard judging was scheduled to begin tonight across the country, featuring steelbands in all categories, but Pan Trinbago heard the appeals of its membership and agreed to give them a minimum ten-day extention. Panorama judging is now advertised to take place at major venues between January 18-21.

Consequently, panmen would get more time to rehearse and secure pannists to meet the minimum player requirements in their respective categories in order to be eligible to compete. Under the revised roster, large conventional orchestras which were not required to take part in the preliminary action, would now do so on January 20, at the northern greens of Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain,. To facilitate this move, Pan Trinbago pushed back this year’s semifinals round of Panorama to January 27. That date was reserved for the Junior Panorama finals.

back to pan news main page

Pan Trinbago needs $1.1m to get pan moving
By Sean Nero, (Trinidad Guardian, Tuesday, January 8th, 2008)

PAN Trinbago is searching for an estimated $1.1 million to cover the transport cost of steelbands taking part in the preliminary round of this year's national Panorama competition. The Guardian understands that in the wake of the decision to scrap preliminary judging in the panyards for this year only, Pan Trinbago must now turn to the State to seek additional funding for Panorama. Culture Minister Marlene McDonald had already announced that plans for Carnival were firmly in place and that Cabinet had approved a budget of $20 million to stage celebrations. Pan Trinbago must now convince the Culture Ministry of its predicament and try to win approval from the government for an additional release of funds, due to the new item on its expenditure sheet.

Six years ago, Pan Trinbago introduced the system of panyard judging to reduce the exorbitant transport bill associated with getting hundreds of steelbands, in various categories, to the Queen's Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain, to be judged at Panorama. Back then, president Patrick Arnold strongly defended the decision which, he said, would benefit steelbands with an increase of visitors to their panyards and and more revenue from the sale of merchandise. At an emergency meeting held last Saturday at Pan Trinbago's Park Street headquarters, the central executive decided against panyard judging, based on appeals from steelband leaders, who said most pannists had not yet turned out for practice and their bands would not be ready. The competition was scheduled to start last night. Panorama judging is now advertised to take place at major venues from January 18-21, following Pan Trinbago's decision to push back the original start of the series by ten days. It also means that culture lovers will get to hear more music. The large, conventional orchestras, which were previously not required to compete in the preliminary action, will now do so on January 20, at the northern greens of the Savannah.

back to pan news main page

Panorama prelims out of the panyards
By Kristy Ramnarine, kramnarine@trinidadexpress.com, (Trinidad Express, Tuesday, January 8th, 2008)

Pan Trinbago president Patrick Arnold insists that a retreat being held by the National Steel Symphony is the main reason why the Panorama 2008 preliminaries will take place in three venues instead of in the panyards. "Top players, drillers and arrangers are part of the retreat which is taking place for three days," he explained yesterday during a press conference at Pan Trinbago's Victoria Square, Port of Spain offices. "I've been getting a lot of calls from the various bands who are concerned. Nobody wants to be at a disadvantage." Arnold said 13 persons would be participating in the retreat, which started yesterday, the same day panyard judging was originally scheduled to start, and ends tomorrow.

These include Avis Bruce and Kereen Brown of UNI Stars; Carlon Harewood of Potential Symphony, Anslem Campbell of Trinidad East Side, Martin Cain of Casablanca, Aaron Bouett of West Stars, Curtis Edwards of Crescendos and Desperados, Clarence and Curtis Morris of Tropical Angel Harps; Keagan Keller of Pan Jammers, Kurt Edwards of Playboyz, Richard Gittens of Pan Elders and Jason Lewis of Trinidad All Stars. In an Express exclusive yesterday, Arnold said the decision was taken on Saturday when Pan Trinbago held an emergency meeting to come up with the changes which would ignite the glory days of pan preliminaries. When questioned on why a decision was only taken only over the weekend, seeing that Panorama is an annual event, Arnold argued that Pan Trinbago tried to get the retreat postponed. "I spoke to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture (Earl Nesbitt) who did not seem to be sympathetic to the situation," Arnold said. "So after trying to deal with it we took a decision." Arnold also announced that the National Panorama South/Central Conventional/Single Pan preliminaries is now scheduled to take place on January 19 at a venue to be confirmed. The North/East conventional preliminaries will now be held on January 20 at the Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain, while the Tobago conventional preliminaries come off on January 22 at the Dwight Yorke Stadium.

back to pan news main page

Best of Cuba...Caribbean Games 2009 ... (brief pan news)
By Kwame Laurence, klaurence@trinidadexpress.com, (Trinidad Express, Wednesday, January 9th, 2008)

Sports fans in Trinidad and Tobago will have the opportunity to see the best of Cuba at the inaugural Caribbean Games. The Games will be staged between July 13 and 19, 2009, here in T&T, and the Cubans are expected to field a full-strength team. "They've given us their commitment," 2009 Caribbean Games CEO Felipe Noguera told the Express, yesterday. Boxing, netball, swimming, track and field and volleyball are on the programme for the 2009 Games. The Cubans are global superpowers in three of those five sports-boxing, track and field and volleyball. If Cuba does actually send their best athletes in those disciplines to the regional sporting extravaganza, T&T would be in for a treat. "Our intent is to make the tickets affordable to ensure all venues are full," Noguera explained, "and to engage the corporate sector to help underwrite some of these tickets so we can enable all classes of the society to see the Games. Who knows? In John John we may have another Hasely Crawford waiting to be discovered."

Cuba will host the second edition of the Caribbean Games, in 2013. "In fact, the (2009) closing ceremony will feature some of their talent and culture." Some 2,000 athletes, from 27 countries in the English, Spanish, French and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, are expected to be on show at the inaugural Games. "The vision for the Games is to promote the spirit of sport in the Caribbean and an awareness of the outstanding athletes that the region has produced-going back to before Hasely Crawford-and continues to produce. More recently, we had Ato Boldon, and right now we have Asafa Powell, George Bovell..." According to Noguera, Bovell, a bronze medallist at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, has given an assurance that he will be at home for the 2009 Caribbean Games.

"George Bovell has not only said he will come but that he will try to bring some other star swimmers from around the world to be here. I'm hoping that that's the case and that we are able to get our best athletes in these disciplines to appear. "The Caribbean countries," the CEO continued, "their responsibility is to ensure that their teams get here, and included in those teams are their best athletes. Our Minister of Sport, Gary Hunt, has agreed to write to his counterparts in the region to request specific athletes come." As CEO, Noguera's role is not limited to ensuring a successful staging of the Caribbean Games next year. "...training young people who can develop the capacity and professionalism to position Trinidad and Tobago to be considered to host even the Commonwealth Games in 2018, a goal that has been articulated by members of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (T&TOC). "Another legacy is that this is the inaugural Games, so we want to set a standard, to establish a benchmark which will be difficult for those who follow to achieve...not impossible, but certainly something they would want to aspire to." The 2009 Caribbean Games, to be staged under the auspices of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), will be officially launched on Friday morning, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. The Games logo will be unveiled, and the music for the official song, composed by Len "Boogsie" Sharpe, will be performed by the ace panman

back to pan news main page

Chipping in church
By Angela Pidduck, (Newsday News, Wednesday, January 9th, 2008)

MIDNIGHT MASS at All Saints Anglican Church on Marli Street ended at 2 am on Christmas morning, with parishioners chipping to the final carol played by the All Saints Steel Ensemble. Unable to resist the sweet sounds of the 11-member youth ensemble, which had captivated Bahamians from August 21 to 28, 2007, parishioners enjoyed an extra half an hour of the service, not giving a thought to time or their journeys home. All Saints is one of few churches which still celebrates the birth of Our Lord with Midnight Mass and this year the Steel Ensemble held the spotlight in the three hour programme which started with a one hour presentation of carols and ended with sung eucharist and sermon. The group, which was formed about four years ago, was the "toast of the town", according to Major Horace Grannum, tour coordinator of the one-week pan pilgrimage to the Diocese of Nassau and The Bahamas. The other adults accompanying the group were Pat Adams, leader and musical director and Tressa Lawrence, treasurer of the band.

The primary purpose of the seven-day pilgrimage, said Canon Claude Berkley, rector of the parish "was for the youth of the parish to engage in social and spiritual interaction, towards a close relationship with God". "The way of the pilgrim for members of this group was, in many ways, like exploring new areas of knowledge." So well had Canon Berkley prepared the young pilgrims on seeking God's help in dealing with any challenges that lay ahead that they showed maturity in dealing with the non-arrival of some of their pans and luggage in the Bahamas. Unfazed, they improvised for two days, rearranging their music to suit the pans at their disposal and wore borrowed and donated clothing to engagements which included a courtesy call on the Governor General, Sir Arthur Hanna, on the very first day.

At the Governor General's House, the ensemble played the national anthems of TT and the Bahamas. Reports from the Governor General's office stated: "His Excellency, Sir Arthur D Hanna remains stunned, hearing for the first time, his country's National Anthem being played on a steel pan and with great confidence and flair." Dara Lynch of the Ensemble presented a pair of souvenir steel pans to His Excellency, and due to the lack of instruments, Gyasi Adams and Tonya King were the performers at this event. In like manner, the rector of St Matthew's Parish and his lunch-time congregation were overwhelmed by the two pannists, while Candace Moore accompanied the musical director in a solo rendition of "To God Be The Glory".

Despite the challenges on both occasions, showing resilience and initiative, the pan pilgrims were ready, willing and able to "make a joyful noise to the Lord". Other engagements included a courtesy call on Reverend Drexel W Gomez, Archbishop of the Province of the West Indies, included a performance on national television and an appearance at a concert which closed "Ignishun" the Diocesan Youth Conference at Holy Trinity ParishYouth Festival. The pan ensemble also did performances at six parish churches and for senior citizens and displaced children at the St George's Parish. The two finals events, which marked the 45th anniversary of Trinidad and Tobago's Independence, were High Mass at the Holy Spirit Parish and a concert at St Barnabas Church before an audience of more than 600 people.

Commenting on the final event, Major Grannum said: "They peaked at the right time and the members of the congregation were highly appreciative. It was here that the youngest pannist, 12-year-old Kyle Samlalsingh standing just four feet nine inches tall was singled out for special mention during the vote of thanks and was invited to the podium." He was told that because of his age and size he was a source of great inspiration for every young Bahamian who had witnessed his performances. The other pan pilgrims are Gyasi Adams, Ayanna Bekoe, Kwesi Caesar, Camisi James, Chioma James, Tonya King, Anton Lawrence, Dara Lynch, Candace Moore (Captain) and Renee Rogers. The tour coordinator remarked: "They played with a passion as they continued to develop and grow with every ensuing engagement." The group is now hoping to fulfill the wish of Ambassador John Darville, Dean of the Caricom Youth Ambassador's Regional Corps' that they get the opportunity to participate in the official Youth Focus of Carifesta X in Guyana later this year.

back to pan news main page

Two Savannah parties this year
By Joan Rampersad, (Newsday News, Wednesday, January 9th, 2008)

PAN TRINBAGO has abandoned plans for preliminary panyard judging for the National Panorama Competition and will instead be staging the preliminaries at the Queen's Park Savannah. "The Savannah will be having two Savannah parties," Pan Trinbago President Patrick Arnold, told the media during a briefing at his office on Victoria Square, Port-of-Spain, on Monday. The first Savannah Party will be the Panorama preliminaries on January 20. The other is the National Panorama Semi-Finals on January 27. According to Arnold, because of the very short Carnival season, some bands were not well prepared because they were without their full complement of players for rehearsals during December. He also revealed that preparations for panyard judging had been affected by a retreat hosted by Ministry of Culture for members of the National Steel Symphony. Players from some 13 steelbands were involved in the retreat..

"Bandleaders were complaining that the NSS was taking their players for three days and they would be therefore missing from rehearsals. Nobody wanted to be at a disadvantage," Arnold said. He further claimed that Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Earl Nesbitt, was unsympathetic to the concerns raised by steelband offiicials. "I spoke to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry and he didn't seem to be sympathetic to the situation. No matter how I tried to explain to him that in the heart of a Panorama season, if they take the players out of Panorama for three days . . . these bands would be at a disadvantage," Arnold revealed As a result, Pan Trinbago called an emergency meeting of its executive and that was when the decision was made to revert to the old arrangement of hosting the Panorama pre-liminaries at the Savannah. Panyard judging across the county was due to start Monday evening, the first day of the three-day retreat. "This is a major competition and nobody would want to be at a disadvantage," said Arnold. Among the bands affected were Trinidad All Stars, Tropical Angel Harps, Potential Symphony, Casablanca, Pan Elders, Playboyz, Crescendo and Pan Jammers. Since a second Savannah party wasn't budgeted for, Arnold said Pan Trinbago will defray the cost to transport bands to the Savannah with receipts from the gates on the day. The revised schedule for the. National Panorama competition is as follows.

back to pan news main page

Panorama 2008 Update
(Pantrinbago.com, Wednesday, January 9th, 2008, 4:49:48 AM)

Panorama Preliminaries will now start on January 12th 2008 in Tobago with the Single Pan bands.

This and other changes in the dates and venues of preliminary judging of Panorama 2K8 was revealed at a Media Conference convened by Pan Trinbago on Monday.

For the next few days, Single Pan Bands will hold centre stage as the judging continues with bands from the East on Thursday 17th January and the North on Friday 18 January in front of Victoria Square, Park Street, Port of Spain.

This new schedule replaces the panyard judging which was scheduled to commence last night.

The major change in the Panorama line-up is the staging of the National Preliminaries in the East and North zones reverting to the Queen's Park Savannah on Sunday 20th January from 9:00 am.

South/Central conventional steelbands will face the adjudication panel on Friday 18th January at Skinner Park, San Fernando, while Tobago bands will be judged on Tuesday 22nd January at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Tobago.

The National Semi Finals will now be held on Sunday 27th January 2008 at the Queen's Park Savannah with usual "Savannah Party". Starting time is 11:00 am.

The revised schedule of Pan Trinbago Program of Events is as follows.

Angela Fox
Media/Communication

back to pan news main page

$2m pay-out today for unsponsored steelbands
By Sean Nero, (Trinidad Guardian, Thursday, January 10th, 2008)

THE Culture Ministry will release an estimated $2 million dollars to unsponsored steelbands today. The presentation will take place at the ministry’s education training facility located at La Fantasie Road, St Ann’s. Culture Minister Marlene Mc Donald is expected to attend the simple ceremony scheduled to start at 1 pm, to make the presentation to representatives from147 steelbands—62 conventional and 65 single pan bands. The money is expected to help cash-strapped steelbands ready themselves for Carnival 2008. There have been rumblings within the pan fraternity for weeks from panmen who questioned the long wait for assistance from the State. Richard Forteau, secretary of Pan Trinbago, said the delay in the release of funds to assist bands was as a result of last year’s general election. He said Pan Trinbago had sent the request to the director of culture since October 2007, but the change of minister and other officers delayed the process.

back to pan news main page

Dance Again Mr Bojangles
(Trinidad Guardian, Thursday, January 10th, 2008)

In accordance with its latest slogan “We want you to hear more,” Sanch Electronix has scheduled an audition of the new PCS Starlift CD Dance Again Mr Bojangles, at the panyard, Mucurapo Road Extension on Sunday January 13, from 6 pm to 9 pm. A release on Monday stated that the concept for the album, a comparison of the dancer Bojangles with T&T’s own Fancy Sailor, was developed by Simeon L Sandiford and illustrated by Kenneth A Scott. The 76-minute CD contains 13 tracks with arrangements by Carlyle Oliver, Ray Holman, Eastlyn Hinds, Neville Whittle, Herschel Puckrin, Michael Boothman and Barry Mannette. All recordings were done at the Panyard from Carnival 2006 to September 2007, using Microsoft’s proprietary 24-bit HDCD® technology and Sandiford’s customised electronics.

Audio was mixed directly to two tracks and stored on an Aleseis Masterlink hard disc recorder. Subsequently, Michael Boothman overdubbed guitar solos on two of the selections, at the Soundreaction Studios in St. Joseph. The album was mastered by managing director Sean L Sandiford and replicated in the USA. At Sunday’s launch, the disc will be played through a high-tech system, capable of reproducing sound to levels of up to 136 db at one metre from source, according to the release. Sandiford promises a huge, transparent soundstage with lots of inner detail and subtle nuances from the 25-member stage side and 120-strong Panorama contingents used for the project. “This is my best steelband recording to date, and I have done many over the past 25 years”, he says. “We want you to hear more.”

back to pan news main page

Phase II, Petrotrin together again
By Wayne Bowman, wbowman@trinidadexpress.com, (Trinidad Express, Thursday, January 10th, 2008)

One of the bomb tunes we can expect to hear from Phase II Pan Groove this year is "Reunited" by Peaches and Herb. The steel orchestra and estranged title sponsor, Petrotrin have kissed and made up and will tomorrow reveal their intentions towards one another at the Phase II panyard, Hamilton Street, Woodbrook. Both parties are being tightlipped over the details of the rekindled partnership, which will surely bring substantial financial support to the steel orchestra in its preparations for Panorama. Just before Christmas, Home Construction Limited announced that although the company will lend some measure of assistance to Phase II for Carnival 2008, it will not provide any major level of sponsorship as it did in 2007.

Petrotrin in 2006, just weeks before Carnival, suddenly pulled its title sponsorship of Phase II after a two-year relationship. Although no definitive reason was ever given by Petrotrin for its action, each party accused the other of falling short of their commitments to each other. As Carnival fast approached and Phase II faced the prospects of defending its title without a sponsor, Digicel came to the rescue and offered the band title sponsorship. That relationship soured shortly after Carnival and Phase II was again an unsponsored band, which it in fact had been with great success in previous years including when it won back-to-back titles in 1987 and 1988 under the direction of its longstanding leader and arranger, Len "Boogsie" Sharpe.

back to pan news main page

Cultural send-off for TJ
(Newsday News, Thursday, January 10th, 2008)

The body of former entertainment journalist, turned cultural and political advisor, Terry Joseph, is expected back in Trinidad today for a funeral celebration that will take place tomorrow at the Marvin Lee Stadium in Macoya. From 1 pm there will be a public viewing of the body, and one hour later there will be a "non- religious send-off." That programme will begin with a tribute to Joseph by his long-time friend, veteran journalist Keith Smith, followed by blessings and an inspirational statement by Fr Clyde Harvey. Patrick Arnold, Renwick Brown and Michael Leggerton will pay their respects on behalf of the pan, mas and calypso fraternities respectively. Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs, Junior Regrello is also expected to speak. Tributes will also be paid by representatives from Rabs Immortelle and The Harvard Club, before the man who Joseph last worked with, FIFA vice president and Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner makes his contribution. They will also be performances by the Laventille Rhythm Section, Sagicor Exodus, the Black Stalin, Brother Resistance, a soloist from the Lydian Singers, Lord Superior backed by Roy Cape All Stars. The body will then leave the Marvin Lee Stadium at 4.15 pm for a private cremation.

back to pan news main page

Panorama prelims back in ‘de Big Yard’
(Trinidad Guardian, Friday, January 11th, 2008)

Now a level playing field If you see me happy like pappy, it all has to do with Panorama prelims being back in “de Big Yard”—the Queen’s Park Savannah. What this means is that I will enjoy two days of pan in the mecca on January 20 and 27 (prelims and national semi-final for north and east bands) I never liked “panyard judging” because some bands definitely suffer acoustic problems, while others benefit from its virtues. Now we have a level playing field; let’s hear bands complain. Strolling down memory lane I am always taken in by great pan talk, not argument. So, naturally, when I met a veteran Pan Am North Stars panman Winston Wellington, I could not help but sit at his feet, and have him take me down memory lane.

Winston, who lives in Brooklyn, New York, and plays and tunes pans, was also once a Guardian journalist. With a memory crystal clear Winston was able to take me back some 45 years, recapturing the glory days of the Pan Am North Stars. After coming off a victorious 1962 Steelband Music Festival feat, the North Stars were ready for the first inaugural Panorama in 1963. Winston said: “There were tough nights of practice under the mango tree on Bombay Street, St James. All sessions were conducted by the legendary pan scientist, Anthony Williams. “He was a true leader gentle but firm when necessary. We wanted to play Dan Is the Man for him.” Winston recalled the bands the North Stars feared were Desperadoes and Starlift.

However, confidence reigned supreme, as the North Stars had the backing of the St James community. Bands like Tripoli, Crossfire, Sun Valley Blue Stars and Crossroads were all in the North Stars corner. On the night of Sunday, February 17, 1963, North Stars unleashed the power on Invaders, Casablanca, San Juan All Stars, Starlift, City Symphony, Wonderland Sundowners, Desperadoes and Modern Sunland. Winston reminsced: “The North Stars played flawlessly. It was an exciting presentation and, when the announcement of the results came, the applause was thunderous!” The “Glamour Boys” of pan had scored another major victory, which they repeated in 1964. Winston said members of the great Pan Am North Stars are scattered all over the world—some have passed on. Several are based in New York and do maintain the brotherhood of “Pan Am North Stars.”

Among the memorable names are Steve Miller, Robert Thwaites, Leslie Jordan, Kelwin Griffith Kenneth Moore Fitzroy Barton Neville Gaskin and the legendary tuner (of the tenors) Herman “Rock” Johnson. Arguably, the Pan Am North Stars is referred to as the greatest by pan fans everywhere. You see me, I gone—I don’t want to start a pan argument.

How they Ran In 1963

1st Pan Am North Stars - Dan Is the Man—Sparrow

2nd Sundowners - Harry And Mama—Sparrow

3rd Desperadoes - The Road—Kitch

Prizes: 1st $1,000, 2nd—$500, 3rd - $250

Thunder in the Savannah. My spies tell me that Panorama 2008 will be great. (That sounds cliché eh?) However, from bulletins received it appears that Thunder will decend on the Queens Park Savannah in the form of bpTT Renegades and Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars as both bands will be going to the Big Yard with this infectious song by Chucky (Roderick Gordon). It will be interesting to hear the interpretations of arrangers Smooth and Samaroo.

back to pan news main page

Pan action at Skinner Park this season
By G Angel Pan, (Trinidad Guardian, Friday, January 11th, 2008)

Skinner Park, San Fernando is expected to be hot this Carnival season with the music of pan sweet pan, especially with Edwin "Crazy" Ayoung and Amrit Samaroo collaborating to create the scorching pan song Heat. While the lovable lunatic tells of the role the dry season heat played in the inspiration for this song, the rhythmic musical accompaniment that punctuates every word is sure to blow the minds of pan lovers. Similarly, Nicole De Coteau's Pan in the Park just might be able to lift the heavy mood surrounding the controversy over Panorama being moved to the Southern city for the second consecutive year. This song, is one pannists will take pleasure in playing and pan lovers will enjoy listening to. Tamu's Pan Dream, along with D-Achee and Designer's Sweet Pan Music, are in a class by themselves. I listened to them several times and came to the same conclusion every time. Pan really nice fuh true.

...and Soca

Meanwhile, on the soca side of town, Crazy is again creating a stir with Phone Card. Personally, I really don't see what all the fuss is about. The music is nice, and if she only wants him for cards and he knows and accepts it, then let her come for cards. Its nobody's business. In addition, the lunatic has teamed up with SuperBlue, Chris Garcia and Wax for the Road March contender Redd. The upbeat single reeks of SuperBlue's musical influence. Come Carnival Monday and Tuesday few will be able to ignore the trio's command to "show mih something red." This week, Crazy also released Planet Soca, a racy ditty he swears will win the Road March. The Original De Fosto Himself may have overstepped his boundaries in Confession of De Will. The beautiful melody is overshadowed by the Rainorama scandal, with De Fosto going so far as to allude that Lord Kitchener's second wife used obeah to get her hands on the Rainorama premises. In poor taste De Fosto...in poor taste. First time recording artiste Lakatan, puts a new twist to cruelty to animals. In his humorous single Move the Bag, Lakatan threatens to call the police for the woman wearing extra tight pants because she had "the ting under strain," while hiding it with a bag. While Nutten For De Sweet Man by De Mighty Trini is no Curry Tabanca, it is sound advice with a cool melody. He complains that while some men work hard for their families, the sweet man was among the beneficiaries. His advice? Organise your business in such a way that left no provisions for the sweet man. Not even "a piece of cotton." Remember, do not purchase pirated music. Buy the real thing and put bread on the artiste's table.

back to pan news main page

Renegades concerned about lawless T&T
By Sean Nero, (Trinidad Guardian, Friday, January 11th, 2008)

THE lawlessness which now engulf society has not escaped the attention of Michael Marcano, president of bpTT Renegades Steel Orchestra. He hoped that the New Year brought with it a greater consciousness among citizens that would consequently make T&T a better place. Speaking at Renegades’ annual dinner and awards ceremony held at the band’s Charlotte Street headquarters on December 29, the veteran panman and former vice-president of Pan Trinbago said: “The headlines over the past year have sadden me greatly. There is a general breakdown in law and order—we have become an indiscipline and intolerant set of people that act without consideration or concern for others.” Conscious of the increased number of youths that now constitute the Renegades family, Marcano embraced the message of Christmas and called on citizens of this “once fair land” to spend some quiet moments reflecting on the birth, life and death of Jesus Christ, throughout the year. He further, called on citizens to gauge the extent they have lived up to the expectations and examples of Almighty God.

Hopes for greater consciousness

Marcano said, based on that, they would determine whether their liveshave been a “blessing or a curse to our fellowman.” Hopeful that his message resonated with the gathering, especially the younger Renegades minds, Marcano pointed to the credible results attained by the band’s Youth Steel Orchestra last year’s National Junior Panorama competition.

The band placed second

However, Marcano declared it was time the fortunes of the senior orchestra be turned around, following what he described as its hard fought sixth place at the final of Panorama 2007. Renegades created history in 1997 when the band won the only hat-trick-of-wins by a large conventional steel orchestra in Panorama. Since that feat, the band had not been in winner’s row.

back to pan news main page

Cultural send-off for Terry Joseph
(Trinidad Guardian, Friday, January 11th, 2008)

Minister of State in the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs Donna Cox is expected to speak on the life and times of veteran journalist's Terry Joseph at his funeral service today. Culture Minister Marlene Mc Donald made the announcement yesterday. Mc Donald also said the ministry had paid $25,000 towards bringing Joseph's body back to T&T. Today's grand cultural send-off is themed Farewell Bro and takes place at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Centre of Excellence in Macoya, Tunapuna, from 1 pm. The viewing of Joseph's body would take place between 1 to 2 pm. The cultural ceremony would take place afterwards. Father Clyde Harvey is expected to officiate. Among those expected to take part in the cultural programme are the Lydian Singers, Exodus Steelband led by Ainsworth Mohammed, Laventille Rhythm Section and calypsonians led by Lord Superior and Stalin. Joseph, 60, passed away at his wife's home in Douglasville, Georgia, around 7 pm on January 2. He succumbed to prostate cancer.

back to pan news main page

Terry Joseph funeral today
By Kristy Ramnarine, kramnarine@trinidadexpress.com, (Trinidad Express, Friday, January 11th, 2008)

The funeral of cultural aficionado and writer Terry Joseph is scheduled to take place today at the Centre of Excellence in Macoya. The 60-year-old who had been battling with prostate cancer for the past year, passed away around last Wednesday at the home of his wife Laini Gilliam-Joseph in Douglasville, Georgia, USA. Viewing of Joseph's body will take place between 1 - 2 p.m. while the funeral service, officiated by Fr Clyde Harvey, is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. Joseph will receive a cultural send off with performances by the Laventille Rhythm Section, Superior, Stalin, Lydian Singers, Roy Cape All Stars, Brother Resistance and DJ Crosby. Express Editor-at-Large Keith Smith will pay tribute to Joseph, while UNC-A co-leader Jack Warner is also scheduled to speak. Representatives from the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs; National Carnival Commission (NCC), Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Association (TUCO) and Pan Trinbago are expected to deliver greetings. Joseph will be cremated in a private ceremony following the funeral service.

back to pan news main page

Masmen get $$ increase ... (brief pan news)
By Anna Ramdass, aramdass@trinidadexpress.com, (Trinidad Express, Friday, January 11th, 2008)

Masmen will be taking home big money this year for their creativity which breathes life into the spirit of Carnival. And Cabinet has also agreed that pannists registered with Pan Trinbago would also get an increase stipend from $400 to $1,000. Culture Minister Marlene McDonald announced yesterday that Cabinet agreed that $4.1 million will be injected into prizes for the large, medium and small band categories. She said pannists deserved an increase since they are mostly drawn from the disadvantaged sectors of society and made sacrifices to attend nightly rehearsals. However, there is still some contention as the winner who cops the band of the year title will take home $300,000, a $150,000 decrease from last year. McDonald speaking at the post-Cabinet press conference at Whitehall, Port of Spain said that the band of the year will receive a 200 per cent increase in prize money from $100,000 to $300,000.

The prize for the best medium band jumped from $10,000 to $175,000 and the small band category increased from $6,000 to $90,000. There is also a new category for mini bands with a $40,000 first prize which will have a trickle down effect. McDonald said a total of $4,133, 800 has been approved by Cabinet for the revised prize structure an increase of $1,037,000 over 2007. Winner of last year's "Band of the Year" large band category Brian Mac Farlane told the Express yesterday that while he was happy there has been increase for the medium and small band categories, he cannot comprehend how there can be a decrease in the prize money for the large band. "That's very strange and odd, I got $450,000 last year," said Mac Farlane. He explained that at the prize giving ceremony last year he was only given $100,000 and there was controversy with respect to the remaining $350,000. He said he and his team went on the internet and found the media report where then Culture Minister Joan Yuille-Williams stated that the large band winner would receive $450,000. Mac Farlane said the balance was eventually paid to him. The prize increase then was from $100,000 to $450,000.

McDonald said yesterday that as far as she knows that was a "one off payment", and what Cabinet had approved yesterday was a 200 per cent increase to the first place prize of $100,000 which was part of the previous prize structure. "That $350,000 payment to the first prize winner, it was intended to be a one off payment...we never discussed retaining the $450,000," said McDonald. She said what she presented to Cabinet was the recommendations of the National Carnival Commission (NCC) which she endorsed and which Cabinet accepted. Cabinet also approved a total of $1 million to be given to the National Carnival Commission (NCC) for the presentation, restoration and development of traditional mas in areas outside of Port of Spain.

back to pan news main page

Skinner Park ready for Carnival ... (brief pan news)
(Newsday News, Friday, January 11th, 2008)

San Fernando Mayor Kenneth Ferguson yesterday said upgraded facilities at Skinner Park, including spanking new stands and two stages, will be ready to host the first big show of the 2008 Carnival season the Chutney Soca Monarch Final on January 19. Ferguson said piling has been put in place for the bleacher columns for the new stands that would ring the cycle track. "We are on target for the Carnival 2008 season. The stage is almost complete and then the backdrop and lights would be installed so we are all set," he said. "Work is also ongoing on the existing stands and piling is almost complete for the beams and columns for the new stands, so everything is on schedule," he said. Ferguson also noted that while a significant amount of work was being carried out at Skinner Park, funding for the entire project was being borne by the National Carnival Commission, (NCC).

"The San Fernando City Corporation is just the facilitator for the project," he said, when asked about the cost of the larger of the two stages which has dimensions of 220 feet by 60 feet. This is to accommodate steelbands and the specifications were agreed to by Pan Trinbago as the Panorama Final is also to take place at Skinner Park on February 2. The National Calypso Monarch semi-final also takes place at the venue on January 26. Construction work continued at Skinner Park yesterday. Crews worked on the stands, the stage for Panorama and the smaller stage, for the chutney soca, calypso and other competitions, at the eastern end of the cycle track. One worker said the major construction phase was almost complete. Another group of workmen were busy clearing an area for the bleacher stands. An occupational safety and health inspector from the Ministry of Labour was also on-site to brief workers and contractors what was required under the law. San Fernando West MP and parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Junia Regrello, paid a site visit on Wednesday morning. NCC chairman, Keston Nancoo could not be reached for comment on the cost of the construction.

back to pan news main page

$2M for 149 steelbands
By Verdel Bishop, (Newsday News, Friday, January 11th, 2008)

The Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender affairs paid out more than $2 million in grants to 149 unsponsored steelbands from across Trinidad and Tobago yesterday. The distribution ceremony took place at the Community Education Facility in La Fantasie Road, St Ann’s. Panmen came out to accept grants each worth $20,000, for assistance with their preparations for the short Carnival season. Due to commitments to Cabinet, Minister Marlene Mc Donald arrived late, however, she came bearing good news — pannists will receive an increase of $1,000 for their efforts for the Carnival season instead of the $400 stipend McDonald said the panmen can look forward to other improved benefits for next year’s festival. “I can assure you that for 2009 we have a strategic plan to work with since there is need for a different approach,” she said. Pan Trinbago president Patrick Arnold said $400 was not feasible enough for panmen and commended the Minister for securing the increase. “It is commendable that the Minister went in and fought for the panmen. I am sure if the Minister starts this way on her first meeting, it is a sign of better things to come,” Arnold said.

back to pan news main page

New CD from Starlift
(Newsday News, Friday, January 11th, 2008)

IN ACCORDANCE with its latest slogan “we want you to hear more,” Sanch Electronix presents an audition of the new Starlift CD Dance Again Mr Bojangles, at the panyard, Mucurapo Road on Sunday from 6 to 9 pm. The concept for the album, a comparison of the dancer Bojangles with our own Fancy Sailor, was developed by Simeon L Sandiford and illustrated by Kenneth A Scott. The 76-minute CD contains 13 tracks with arrangements by Carlyle Oliver, Ray Holman, Eastlyn Hinds, Neville Whittle, Herschel Puckrin, Michael Boothman and Barry Mannette. All recordings were done at the Panyard from Carnival 2006 to September 2007, using Microsoft’s proprietary 24-bit HDCD® technology and Sandiford’s customised electronics. Audio was mixed directly to two tracks and stored on an Aleseis Masterlink hard disc recorder. Subsequently, Michael Boothman overdubbed guitar solos on two of the selections, at the Soundreaction Studios in St. Joseph. The album was mastered by managing director, Sean L Sandiford and replicated in the USA. At the launch, the disc will be played through a high-tech system, capable of reproducing sound to levels of up to 136 db at one metre from source. The main components will be a pair of Meyer Sound UPA 1P full range, powered loudspeakers with corresponding USW 1P subwoofers. A Classé CP 60 preamplifier and the new NAD M5 super audio compact disc (SACD) player will be the front-end components. Audiophile quality, balanced interconnect cables will be used throughout.

back to pan news main page

Wise cops Tobago Channel 5 Children Showcase first prize
(Tobago News, Friday, January 11th, 2008)

St. Nicholas Private Primary School eight-year-old pupil Tenisha Wise copped the grand first prize in the Tobago Channel 5 Television's Children Showcase. There were 12 finalists in the very popular television production hosted by John Arnold, which showcases the talent of the children of the primary schools in Tobago. Dressed in her mermaid costume, Tenisha collected a cache of prizes that included a trip for two to Disney World in Orlando, Florida plus US$500 spending cash, TT$4,000 courtesy the Education Division of the Tobago House of Assembly, a cellphone courtesy bmobile and a grand piano for her school. In second position was Ovian London, daughter of Chief Secretary Orville London, who was present along with his wife Brigid at the gala prize-giving function at the Scarborough Ballroom of Hilton Tobago recently. Ovian prizes included a trip for two to St. Lucia plus TT$3,000 in spending cash, US$500, a cellphone courtesy bmobile, and a large hamper. Placing third was Jonathan Elder, a budding trumpeter of the Signal Hill Government Primary School. He won a trip for two to Barbados, US$200 plus a large hamper. Alvin James, a pannist who was voted as the best Instrumentalist placed fourth, winning a trip to Trinidad courtesy Caribbean Airlines plus a two night stay at the Cascadia Hotel.

back to pan news main page

Panorama 2008 Ticket Prices
(Pantrinbago.com, Friday, January 11th, 2008, 11:03:43 AM)

Panorama Preliminaries & Semi- Finals Northern Greens - Queen’s Park Savannah Sunday 20th January 2008 & Sunday 27th January 2008

* Paddock Stand $ 250.00

* Paddock Grounds $150.00

* North Grounds $ 200.00

Panorama Finals Skinner Park, San Fernando Saturday 02nd February 2008

* Special Reserved $ 300.00

* Reserved $ 250.00

* Grounds $ 150.00

back to pan news main page

Draw for Positions
(Pantrinbago.com, Friday, January 11th, 2008, 10:58:10 AM)

ADVISORY

Single Pan Bands participating in this year’s Panorama are advised that the draw for positions for Preliminaries in the various regions are as follows:-

North
Thursday 10th January 2008
Belmont Community Centre
Jerningham Avenue, Belmont
6:00 pm

South/Central
Monday 14th January 2008
Skinner Park
San Fernando
5:00 pm

Both Conventional & Single Pan Bands

East
Monday 14th January 2008
Arima Town Hall
Sorzano Street, Arima
6:00 pm

NB Tobago bands will perform at panyards according to roster.

Draw for positions

North/East Conventional Bands
Tuesday 15th January 2008
Pan Trinbago Head Office
Victoria Park Suites
14-17 Park Street
Port of Spain

Angela A. Fox
Media/Communications

back to pan news main page

Cultural icon Terry Joseph laid to rest
By Michelle Loubon, (Trinidad Guardian, Saturday, January 12th, 2008)

Father Clyde Harvey invited mourners to engage in thorough introspection to fully appreciate the legacy of scribe extraordinaire/media icon Terry Joseph. He was officiating at his funeral themed Farewell, Teejay—Cherishing his life and times, at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya, Tunapuna, yesterday. Against the backdrop of the national flag and buntings, the mood was sombre but not mournful. “He has gone to be with the ancestors and he has passed the baton on to us...It is up to us what we do,” Harvey told the gathering. Harvey said it was even more timely because of the backdrop of gang warfare which was prevalent in the black community. In one of his columns, Joseph had cast blame on the infiltration of rap music which portrayed blacks as pimps and glorified profligate lifestyles. “Young blacks are against young blacks. Young blacks are against old blacks,” he had written.

Earlier on, Harvey had made reference to the Biblical story of Jacob wrestling with God for his blessing. He found Joseph had displayed qualities such as Jacob’s perseverance. He invited them to emulate these traits in Joseph’s character. “He was ruthlessly logical...annoyingly illogical. Always a student, digging, seeking and probing...He was committed to truth and justice. He was known for his perseverance, incisiveness of thought and language. Let him live on in our hearts.” Continuing in that vein, Fifa vice-president Jack Warner added: “Friendships are dying. Friendships among the African community are dying. I have lost my great African friend.” An indefatigable worker Express Editor-at-Large Keith Smith eulogised Joseph as “a glutton for work.” Smith said: “His wife (Laini) said he would stay up whole night writing things. He was an indefatigable worker. He was one of the best headline writers.” Drawing from his vignettes, he remembered Joseph’s generosity toward everyone in the most “nondescript of bars.” He even remarked, Joseph, a proud Leo, “was a man who walked into a room and everybody took notice.” Fighting hard to hold back the tears, Smith’s voice cracked with emotion. He knew Joseph would have none of that. But reality cut at the loss of the “joyous, laughing man who made my life far better than it would have been.” The tears tumbled.

back to pan news main page

‘Don’t cry for me’
(Trinidad Guardian, Saturday, January 12th, 2008)

Amid a sea of black, celebrated journalist Terry Joseph’s widow Liani looked radiant in her floral outfit—tinged with splashes of peach and green.

Later, she rose to address mourners: “People are saying you are a widow. You should be in black. I know Terry would want his wife in colour.” Putting aside the fashion issues, she read his final farewell statement.

“Don’t cry for me

I’m okay, I am free

I lived a life

that was full

I blazed the trail

I created my path

and have come to the end of my journey.”

“I did it my way.

Au revoir to my precious gems and bro-bro-bro.”

Liani mused: “I must be a fool, or I’m in love. I married him twice.” She spoke about her communion with God during “the transition.” She said she knew she had to bring him back since “Terry loved his country and his fellowmen.”

Tributes also came from vice-president of Harvard Club William Pierre, Tuco’s Michael Legerton, NCC’s Keston Nancoo and Pan Trinbago president Patrick Arnold. Maureen Warner, wife of Fifa vice-president Jack Warner read tributes sent to Laini.

Cultural send-off

Strumming his guitar, Lord Superior crooned Standardise Pan and Crime Pays (representing Black Stalin). He was among the slew of musical mourners introduced by chairman Kenny De Silva. Mavis John’s soulful The Carnival is Over was precursed by the upbeat Bro Resistance’s Ring De Bell. “Can we have a celebration or what?” he asked. Laventille Rhythm Section threatened Here We Come, with Sparrow’s Memories beautifully executed by Roy Cape All Stars and Sagicor Exodus. As the audience joined in singing Memories, they bade Joseph farewell, possibly remembering Plato’s epigram: “Thou wert the morning star among the living, Ere thy fair light had fled; Now, having died, thou art as Hesperus, giving New splendour to the dead.” ML

back to pan news main page

Farewell, my brother Cultural send-off for 'TJ'
By Julien Neaves, jneaves@trinidadexpress.com, (Trinidad Express, Saturday, January 12th, 2008)

THE CELEBRATION of the life of cultural icon and journalist extraordinaire Terry Joseph yesterday was as he would have wanted it, with the sounds of the local music he loved and championed, and the voices of the people he loved and cherished. Express Editor-at-Large Keith Smith, in his tribute, noted that Joseph's life in journalism was not as long as people think, but that he had mastered it and was one of the greatest headline writers in this country. He recalled that Joseph was such an expert on steelband, mas and calypso, that people from all corners of the world would be referred to him for information on the art forms. "It is not an easy task for me to stand up and talk about the departure of my best friend," said Smith, his voice breaking and tears filling his eyes. Smith recalled that as he was approached by people on the street or in Laventille, where Joseph is originally from, the majority would imitate his deep voice as they reminisced about him. About 300 mourners attended the service held at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence, Macoya, and in the stands and under three large white tents on the field decorated with patriotic streamers.

Joseph, 60, died on January 2 at his home in Douglasville, Georgia, US, following a long battle with cancer. He travelled many miles unwell on December 23, 2007, to spend his final days with his wife Dr Laini Gilliam-Joseph. In an impromptu eulogy, Gilliam-Joseph noted that it had been a privilege to marry him twice, quipping that she was either "a fool or really in love". She pointed out that for him to make the journey to see her last month in all his pain confirmed that he truly loved her. She noted that she brought his body back to Trinidad despite the expense because "my husband loved his country and his countrymen. He had to come back home in the end". Gilliam-Joseph was dressed in a bright peach and green dress and explained that her husband celebrated life and liked his wife "in living colour" and not the traditional widow black.

FIFA vice president and Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner, who Joseph was known for spending hours with chatting about football, said he had lost one of his greatest friends with Joseph's death and described him as one of the "most wonderful human beings he had ever met". Also bringing memorials were Garth Giuseppi, of Carnival band Rabs Immortelle, of which Joseph was a founder, National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA) secretary Wrenwrick Brown, president of Pan Trinbago Patrick Arnold, National Carnival Commission chairman Keston Nancoo and Harvard club vice president William Pierre. President of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Calysponians' Organisation, Michael Leggerton, recalled that Joseph had written several articles about calysponians, some with a lot of venom. But he noted that after meeting the writer they initially wanted to hate, they would instead admire, respect and "if you stayed around him long enough, to love him".

Minister of State in the Ministry of Community Development, Donna Cox, said Joseph would be remembered for his dedicated service and passionate contribution to the local art form. "The nation as a whole would be poorer without Terry Joseph," she said. Joseph was remembered for his warmth, spontaneity, biting sense of humour, sarcastic wit, as a great drinker, cultured style and class, fairness, brutal honesty, strength and courage, and for being an indefatigable worker, "a giant of a man and a cultural warrior". During the celebration there were performances by the Laventille Rhythm Section, Lord Superior, Lydian Singers, Brother Resistance, singer Mavis John accompanied by Grammy-award winning percussionist Ralph MacDonald and veteran steelband arranger Pelham Goddard. Among those who attended were Senator Wade Mark, Opposition Senator Tim Gopeesingh, former Trade and Industry Minister Kenneth Valley, Mayaro MP and ex-calysponian Winston "Gypsy" Peters, former Minister in the Culture Ministry Eddie Hart and Parang impresario Holly Betaudier. For the final tribute, Roy Cape All Stars and steelband Sagicor Exodus performed "Memories" by The Mighty Sparrow. As Joseph's casket was being carried into the hearse, the pall bearers danced and sang to the calypso music and some beat a tune on the casket. His body was then removed for a private cremation.

back to pan news main page