PM: No holiday for World Steelpan Day

THERE will be no public holiday on August 11, the day designated by the United Nations as World Steel Pan Day.

The Prime Minister made this clear in a television interview on Thursday.

On July 24, the UN is expected to adopt a draft resolution for August 11 to be declared World Steelpan Day and be annually observed on the UN's calendar.

Asked as a steel pan follower for many years, Dr Rowley laughed before giving his answer if August 11 would be a public holiday.

"No."

He said public holidays could be costly.

But Rowley noted that Pan Trinbago would also be celebrating pan month in August.

He urged citizens to participate in the events that Pan Trinbago has planned and celebrate the worldwide success of the steel pan.

Rowley said that despite the many challenges TT faces, it remains a blessed country in many ways.

He said he hoped the population would go to see the Commonwealth Youth Games, which take place here next month.

Rowley was also eagerly expecting the arrival of the King of Ashanti from Ghana, a special guest at next week's Emancipation Day celebrations.

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II will arrive on July 30 and leave on August 4.

His visit comes after Rowley extended an invitation earlier this year.