After carnival, what next?

First we must ask where the headquarters is. It is that incomplete structure off the highway, overgrown with grass. Despite numerous promises, from Government Ministers, nothing is being done. And Pan Trinbago, cap-in-hand, sits by idly.

The one and only major competition/show is at Carnival. For this competition, orchestras concentrate on playing one tune only. And for this competition, Pan Trinbago again begs, cap-in-hand, for money from the Government. The innovation to have the preliminary round in the “panyard” is very innovative, as this eliminates that expensive transportation cost.

An examination of the method of transportation will reveal gross inefficiencies. The racks are welded and cumbersome. This results in massive dead-space. There has been no innovation to create an assembled unit, especially for the canopies which seem to be the main problem. This is plenty money going done the drain that is non-contributory to the development of the culture.

And after carnival, what next? There are some competitions in some areas held in conjunction with anniversaries and annual celebrations. These in the main are poorly organised, with late starts, sometimes hours behind.

The first solution is that the headquarters must be completed. Together with the completion is a management structure with creative minds that works all through the year.

The second is the true development of the steel orchestra. Where is Free French? Cavaliers? Harmonites? Gay Flamingos? They are non-existent. Has anybody asked why?

And how about the panyards, with emphasis on “yards.” Most of the pan-yards are unofficial. Asphalt paving of the grounds if you are lucky. A galvanise shed hopefully to add to the ambience. The most that is held in the panyard are fetes, with the connotation of alcohol consumption and lip-service.

To put it in a nutshell, the home of the steel orchestra is no home. This must be corrected, one step at a time and over a period of time, consistently.

The first step is to create a structure for each steel orchestra. This can be started with the Panorama Champion of a given year. This orchestra should have a theatre built as the first prize. The theatre must be able to accommodate the full orchestra on the ground floor. There must be seating accommodation on the upper floors, either one or two.

The ground floor therefore has many uses - functions, conferences, etc. A movable stage to hold ten-pan shows and 25-pan concerts or any show, with the addition of the now popular all-inclusive on the upper floors community events and weddings, etc.

Adequate “yard” space for parking and open-air functions. Communities will now be opened up.

There will be directional signs to Desperadoes Theatre with a proper roadway that is well-lighted. Small business, including craft and souvenirs, along the way can be developed. The community becomes independent. No more “cap-in-hand.”