I invented the ‘chordmaster’


THE EDITOR: I am letting the Ministry of Culture know that it is panmen like Fisheye, Nervin Saunders, Bertie Marshall, Spree Simon and Bele Worrell, Rev Faquar (who begged the government to allow panmen to play), myself and many others were responsible for steelbands’ men being where they are today.


We were the men who insisted that we must play our steelpan. Some of us were even thrown into police vehicles like dead dogs and locked up behind bars.


I am the inventor of a new steelpan called the chordmaster and I have applied to the Ministry of Culture on numerous occasions during the past two years for assistance to get the pan on the market and be recognised but to date I have not gotten any answer.


Almost eight months ago, I was recognised as the hero at the East St George Folk Fair and I have never even received a brass pin or a plaque with my face which can be placed somewhere, or given to me. Well that is trouble for one of the most talented calypsonians around. Many of our good calypsonians are out of a tent which means many good songs wouldn’t be heard. Steelbands men and calypsonians are planning a no vote campaign. If that’s the way the Ministry will continue to operate we would not reach any further.


PERCY ‘STRIKER’ OBLINGTON


D’Abadie

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"I invented the ‘chordmaster’"

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