Pan Trinbago pioneer dies

In a statement yesterday, Pan Trinbago said Gollop, 87, was respected and revered for his most outstanding contribution to the steelband movement, adding that it was Gollop who, in 1950, had the distinction of being elected to the position of provisional president of the very first National Steelband Association. At a subsequent meeting, he was confirmed in the post.

The statement said that Gollop fought the cause of every panman and would often find himself in the court houses in La Brea, Point Fortin, San Fernando, Arima and anywhere a member of any steelband was arrested.

He appeared and represented them with vigour and clear articulation.

According to Pan Trinbago when Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra (TASPO) was billed to represent this country in 1951, Gollop was at the forefront raising funds and ensuring that every thing was in order, adding that up to recently, he was involved in several research projects at Pan Trinbago. He was a source of inspiration and up to the time of his illness, he kept close contact with the officers at Pan Trinbago, according to the release.