Now for a statue of Anthony Williams

After many years of brutality, and coming to terms with the new and strange conditions of existence, he started to look within for the strength and courage to endure. He started to moan and groan, and sing as conditions allowed.

Then he remembered the drums.

That instrument strengthened his spirit and communicated with the souls of his ancestors.

This was taken away, not allowed, because the power of the drums made the slave masters afraid.

After a while he turned to the bamboo to make the music that was a natural part of his DNA.

The bamboo provided the music for all his celebrations.

In TT , during the Canboulay Carnival celebrations, he used the bamboo as his instrument on the roads. As the bamboo began to wear, he introduced metals and the dustbin to substitute for the sounds he needed. Out of this, the steelband evolved.

We have had great innovators during the development and evolution of the steel pan instruments, but standing tall among them all is Anthony “Tony Muffman” Williams. Born in 193, on Nepaul Street, St James, where he still resides, Williams has made significant contributions to the total development of the steel pan and its music is accepted across the world today.

Williams started his journey as a tuner, inventor, and innovator around 1945. He was also one of the top players of his time. Coming out of his extensive research and innovations, the fourths and fifths formula was developed and applied to the 55-gallon steel drum, giving rise to the standardisation we enjoy within the steel pan family of instruments today, and is accepted globally.

Wherever in the world a fourths and fifths steel pan is made, royalties should be paid to the estate of the man Williams. But due to the tardiness of those in authority, Williams’ formulas were never given the kind of protection to guarantee such benefits.

However, we in the mecca of the steel pan (Pan Trinbago and the Steelpan Tuners Guild of TT ) recognise the contributions that this great steel pan scientist has made towards the elevation of our national instrument, and take every opportunity to show our gratitude and appreciation for his sterling contributions.

I will not give a detailed summary of his contributions and achievements as inventor, captain, arranger, tuner, player/performer par excellence, but only to mention that Williams received this country’s highest national award in 2008, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and today the steel pan fraternity is once again in high spirits as Williams was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies on Saturday last. We believe that this honour is long overdue, but is appreciative of the fact that he has endured and was able to receive it in person. We in the steel pan fraternity join with the national community to celebrate Williams’ most prestigious award, and recommend that a statue of him be erected near the lighthouse, on entry to the capital city.

Thank you Tony, from all of us.

MICHAEL L JOSEPH PRO, Pan Trinbago