Positive change for pan from impasse

In many instances, unfortunately, I plead ignorance to some of the matters being ventilated in the public because of the way in which some of Pan Trinbago’s business is conducted.

I am concerned however about the further damage done to the already tarnished image of the only grassroots organisation in TT — Pan Trinbago. I am already hearing overtones and undertones of a general clearance of the Augean stables.

The ex-vice president must know the very fabric from which the suit is cut. You can’t be swimming in a muddy pool for years and suddenly realise you are covered in mud. He again accepted the post of vice president at the last election in 2015.

Frankly, I don’t support the manner in which he is doing what he’s doing but I think the time is right to rattle some cages at Pan Trinbago. I think this impasse offers the necessary stimulus and catalyst for change that we must make in order to ensure a better future.

Because I am an eternal optimist, because I prefer to see the proverbial glass as half full and not half empty and because I see the silver lining and not the dark cloud, I know this impasse presents opportunities for immeasurable growth and benefits to Pan Trinbago through critical introspection and consultation.

I see a review of Act 5 of 1986, the Act which established Pan Trinbago. I see reform of Pan Trinbago’s constitution. Coincidentally, this responsibility was Byron Serrette’s for over four years and he failed to deliver.

I see greater involvement of youth, not just as pannists but at the administrative level. I see a better governance model in keeping with 21st century principles.

I see grater transparency and accountability in the affairs of Pan Trinbago.

I see greater involvement and investment by the private sector in the affairs of Pan Trinbago. I see a deliberate policy of industrialisation of the national instrument.

I see a financially sufficient Pan Trinbago not just depending on taxpayers’ money for existence.

I see a government with greater respect for the national instrument and acknowledgement of its responsibility to culture. I see a Pan Trinbago playing a greater role in the social and penal systems of TT .

I see a greater rationalisation of Panorama, greater respect for the pan players, the only indispensable resource in the whole equation. I see a one man, one vote system replacing the corrupt delegate system.

I see a more enlightened pan fraternity that realises that the administration of Pan Trinbago is best suited to a manager by profession or to a panman with these specific skills. I see a Pan Trinbago head office in Port-of-Spain on the site where the government printery was.

Out of a muddy pool, 10,000 flowers bloom.

GERARD MENDEZ via email