HCL still waiting on Phase II to move

DESPITE the ongoing wrangling between development group Home Construction Ltd (HCL) and National Panorama champion Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove over the issue of the band’s relocation, the company is unfazed in its desire to contribute to the furtherance of the steelband movement, according to corporate communications manager Lisa Ghany-Weekes. At Tuesday night’s prize-distribution ceremony for the HCL Las Lap Carnival Tuesday steelband, held at the Atrium, Long Circular Mall, St James, she stated the HCL group’s corporate responsibility was to contribute to the nation’s indigenous artform.

The steelband “las lap” contest is a presentation of the northern region of Pan Trinbago, and was won by St James Tripolians in the single pan band category, while HCL Valley Harps, which appeared in the conventional division kept the title home. HCL wants Phase II to vacate its Hamilton Street headquarters at Woodbrook, and take up residence at a newly constructed home, built by HCL for the band, located at Mucurapo Road, St James. But the band’s leadership has refused, citing that the new building and access to it were inadequate. Two years ago, similar accommodation was offered to PCS Nitrogen Starlift Steel Orchestra, also at Mucurapo Road, which that band’s management accepted. 

Meanwhile, construction of HCL/Port-of-Spain City Corporation’s multi-million dollar housing project at One Woodbrook Place continues apace, but in order to complete the project, the developers need Phase II Pan Groove to relocate. Ghany-Weekes said HCL Group’s decision to sponsor the pan music contest on Carnival Tuesday, when Berger Paints bowed out as patron, was an extension of the full sponsorship arrangement the company had entered into with Petit Valley-based Valley Harps Steel Orchestra on the eve of Panorama 2005. She said, “The steelband is a critical part of every community. HCL will not only be the sponsor of Valley Harps, but we will complete the band’s headquarters over the next year, toward the vision of continuing the music literacy programme that has been happening at the panyard.

We also intend to build a community centre in the area.” Steelband officials at the function included Pan Trinbago president, Patrick Arnold, members of his executive, and Keith Diaz and members of his administration. Ghany-Weekes expressed doubt that next year’s las lap Carnival competition would be held at the same venue — in front of One Woodbrook Place — as logistical challenges were experienced this year. MM Harvard Club was the previous venue for the contest. However, she gave a commitment that HCL is on board with the northern region of Pan Trinbago with the project, and hoped for its continued growth in 2006 and beyond.