Rumours, Speculation continue

UnconfIRmed reports reaching Newsday yesterday hinted that reigning National Panorama champions, Phase II Pan Groove have been contracted by the Government to be part of the National Carnival contingent to go to Germany, in support of the national football team at the World Cup Finals 2006.

The question of which steelband will be taken to Germany has been a major source of headache for the Government, and has caused anxiety for members of all the big bands in the land, with each of them having their own reasons as to why their band ought to be chosen to represent the country.

For example, single pan band Woodbrook Playboyz which accompanied the team throughout its “journey to Germany” without asking for a penny and have had to learn anthems of other countries including the Peruvian anthem which they played for the Soca Warriors’ last game on Wednesday, feel very strongly that it is only fitting that they go all the way to the World Cup finals next month. However, last month a spokesperson at the Culture Ministry stated that it could only take one steelband among the 150 artistes, since it also has to take a music band, two dance troupes and masqueraders that would account for quite a large portion of the contingent.

While it has been decided that the Roy Cape All Stars, Malick Folk Performers and the Shiv Shakti Dance Company will be going to Germany there has been deafening silence about the choice of steelband. But unconfirmed word now is that Phase II will be crossing the Atlantic to Germany.

Reports yesterday suggested that the Ministry of Culture will finally put an end to the secrecy and let the pan fraternity know of its decision within the next 24 hours. Culture Minister Joan Yuille-Williams has evaded the media on the subject.

When contacted yesterday, bandleader and arranger of Phase II, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, claimed that he didn’t know anything about his band having been chosen but word coming from the panyard is that rehearsals in preparation for the trip were to have started last evening, and members were told to ready themselves for Germany.

Apart from the above-named artistes, the rest of the contingent includes reigning Soca Monarch and former Road March champion Shurwayne Winchester, soca star Neil “Iwer” George, Kees Dieffanthaller, Maximus Dan and five-time National Calypso Monarch, Black Stalin.