Benefit fund to honour pan pioneer

As Gollop’s casket was being carried into the church by officials of Pan Trinbago, led by Milton “Wire” Austin and Allan Augustine, Courts Sound Specialists of Laventille played “Amazing Grace.” Once inside, eulogies were given by Gollop’s grandson Ronny, Pan Trinbago president Patrick Arnold and Junior Culture Minister Eddie Hart.

Ronny told the congregation of family and friends about his grandfather’s love for culture and dances, especially when they were held at the Princes’ Building decades ago. He also spoke of Gollop’s love for ice cream and cake and vowed to never forget the good times the family had with Gollop for 87 years.

Arnold went further back into Gollop’s life stating: “As I look back over time and try my best to imagine what the enormity of his travails would have been, I feel a deep sense of humility that I am today trying my best to walk along a path prepared by a genius.”

Arnold said the steelband movement owes a great debt of gratitude to Gollop, since it was his fearless approach to finding a lasting solution to steelband rivalry that resulted in the formation of the first national steelband association. And despite objections, Gollop remained undeterred from striving toward the goal of unity among panmen.

“Unlike many who would have contributed less to the art, Sydney Gollop never received national recognition for his critical role in the development of pan. That neglect, to pay due recognition to the father of steelband unity could be blamed on the vicissitudes of time and circumstance.”

Arnold also noted the many times when Gollop gave panmen who ran afoul of the law, good and honest representation, then announced that a new fund that will be soon launched called the “Sydney Gollop Benefit Fund”. This fund will assist panmen in unfortunate times.

Hart described Gollop as an icon, skilled dancer and provider, who loved his family with a passion.

Reverend Colin Sampson, dean of the cathedral, recalled what Gollop told his family before he died: “‘I am on the runway, my plane is about to take off’.” Sampson said: “As a pioneer in the steelband movement in Trinidad and Tobago, he has been on the runway all his life.”

Sampson then preached: “Gollop must have faced tremendous opposition as a pioneer in pan but the church must be grateful to Gollop in that we now have a resident steelband in our church. Praise God for what he has achieved and pray for those who are involved in that ongoing struggle. We have come a long way.”

Ace pannist Len “Boogsie” Sharpe played at the sermon a rendition of “Amazing Grace.” Gollop was buried at the Lapeyrouse Cemetery. Gollop leaves to mourn his wife Leonora, common-law wife Lorna Jacob, 12 children, 29 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.