PNM MOVES TO PROTECT STEELPAN

In its efforts to protect the steelpan from exploitation by non-nationals, Government is moving to challenge three patents of the steelpan which were filed in the United States, Legal Affairs Minister Danny Montano revealed yesterday. Speaking at a post-Cabinet news conference, Montano announced that Government had appointed a committee whose mandate is :

1) to prevent person or groups of persons, such as non-nationals, from copying and exploiting the steelpan, 2) to prevent certain persons from acquiring any intellectual property rights over the instrument and associated methods of manufacture 3) to grant to people of Trinidad and Tobago the exclusive right to make and exploit the instrument; 4) to ensure that any copies of the steelpan — wherever and by whoever they are produced — indicate that the origin of the instrument is Trinidad and Tobago; 5) to encourage international recognition of the steelpan as a musical instrument originating in Trinidad and Tobago and perhaps as a national icon and national treasure; and 6) to maintain the currency of the instrument so that it continues to be played and listened to by the younger generation. Montano said the committee was also mandated to consider the establishment of a programme to grant official recognition to exceptionally talented, tradition-bearers and craftspersons.