Political power shaped Trini culture

THE EDITOR: I have been following with interest the debate over the distribution of profits made by the National Lotteries Control Board. One columnist made the point that Indian culture cannot expect similar treatment and allocations as that given to the steelband movement because our “society” had decided a long time ago to make pan our national instrument. As Afro-Trinidadians I think we must remind ourselves that in the early stages of our development after Independence when we shaped our definition of the ‘Trini’ identity, our Indo-Trinidadian brothers and sisters were largely excluded from the process. We were in a majority and commanded political power and culture was defined by reference to urban, Afro-Creole TT. If a referendum was held in the morning the results would show that the large majority of Indo-Trinis do not accept pan as their national instrument and Afro-Trinis do not accept Indian culture as part of their “Trini” identity. Citing the lone examples of Jit Samaroo and Mungal Patasar does not alter the fact that the steelband movement comprises mainly Afro-Trinis. We should not attempt to force that as the national instrument down the throats of Indo-Trinis.

For the NLCB to say that it is supporting Trini culture in response to Sat’s complaints is to conveniently ignore the fact that the beneficiaries if these funds are mainly Afro-Trinis. This is unfair in a multi-racial society where these profits are generated by people of all races who patronise the NLCB games. National culture is not static. Nottinghill Carnival in London and Caribana in Miami are supported by the State even though it is not the white man’s culture. West Indian immigrants are influencing and shaping the culture of these countries they have settled in as they mature and become recognised as ethnic minorities. Why should we view our culture as static and deny Indo-Trinis their right to influence, shape and redefine “national culture”? Perhaps the time has come for us to revisit our notions of Trini culture. All I ask of my African brothers and sisters is to stop and think about if the shoe were on the other foot. What if the Indians had enjoyed political power for 40 years and made the dholak the national instrument — would you have forgotten the sweet sound of pan and accepted it as your national instrument?

ALVIN  BALLAH
Curepe