Pan contest gets underway in South

DAY ONE of the small-band category in South Central zone got underway last Thursday evening with four bands playing. Each band had a minimum of eight minutes to play and was judged by a group of adjudicators who moved within, and even beyond time schedules. All four bands boasted a youthful bunch.

However on the night, Southern Marines Steelband Foundation, playing “Pan on De Road” from Superblue, was a cut above the others. Not only did they have the maximum of 55 members playing, but they were very inventive and vibrant in delivering their composition at Guaracara Park, a short distance from their panyard. Deputy Mayor of San Fernando Malika Blair exchanged official duties for a pair of pansticks  and was at the fore, leading her band. The IR tune was arranged by Malomo Nkosi Joseph. The preliminary small-band event started with the Point Fortin Starland band playing De Fosto’s “War.” It was arranged by Keith Preddie and Juston Lett.

The judges then went to the Kalomo Kings in Pleasantville who played “Oh Yoo” by Shadow. Cecil Harris and Roland Joseph arranged for them. Immediately afterwards came Motown, who played “High On Soca” from Nesta Boxhill, the son of the late Merchant. Junior Wilkes was the arranger. Boxhill was presented with a portrait of his father by Whitfield Weekes, chairman of Pan Trinbago South/Central region. Motown also received a $10,000 cheque from Pan Trinbago. The group of adjudicators was well on time at all respective panyards where the bands were judged. Adjudicators included Joslynne Sealey, Jeanette John, Satanand Sharma, and Frank Stanisclaus. The judging of the small-band category continues today.