Hope for Birdsong as UWI helps panside

Birdsong’s management yesterday confirmed they are currently engaged in talks with the University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine campus which has offered the band a list of possible venues belonging to the university, which the academy can use as their temporary home base.

The band was formed in September 1973 and Dennis Phillip, a member of Birdsong’s board of directors, stated he is confident that the band will have a new home in time for its programme to restart on September 10.

“We had a very fruitful meeting with UWI management, we have come together to find a solution,” Phillip told Newsday yesterday.

He explained that while UWI had listed some possible options, the university also welcomed suggestions from Birdsong and he believes they have found a location which will be approved.

He further explained that the location they are hopeful of acquiring needs little renovation, saying, “Obviously we would need to clean up and outfit the structure for the intended purpose, but all of that is light work.” Instruments belonging to the band is still scattered across various venues, including several homes near its previous location.

Phillip stated that the location, once approved, will be capable of storing these instruments. Birdsong and UWI are still involved in the planning phases, therefore Phillip could not comment on the cost that will be incurred, if any.

Birdsong intends to continue their service to the young persons who wish to pursue music.

Phillip stated that any arrangements made will be temporary as Birdsong is still in the process of finalising the purchase of land which will house the band’s own pan theatre. He stated that their major challenge is getting the resources to build their pan theatre.

Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Community Development and Culture, yesterday stated that the ministry has pledged their support to Birdsong.

Currently they are examining ways in which they can assist the band. She also stated that the UWI offer came in a timely fashion.