Pan-In-Schools programme revamped in East Port of Spain

Cultural initiatives play a valuable role in shaping society. This was the view of Minister of Housing and Urban Development Camille Robinson-Regis during a ceremony to acknowledge the revamping of the Pan-In-Schools programme throughout East Port of Spain, a media release said.

The event was held at the St Margaret's Boys Anglican Primary School, Belmont, on June 27.

The initiative is being carried out by the East Por of Spain Development Company (EPOS), an agency under the Housing and Urban Development ministry.

The pans are supplied by Laventille-based pan manufacturers, Panland Trinidad and Tobago Ltd.

To date, six primary schools in East Port of Spain have received a complement of new pans. They are:

Laventille Girls Government Primary School

Laventille Boys Government Primary School

Morvant Epiphany Anglican Primary School

Lower Morvant Government Primary School

Chinapoo Government Primary School

St Margaret’s Boys Anglican Primary School

The pans cost $835,190. Most schools received a full 16-piece ensemble inclusive of tenor, double tenor, double second, double guitar, triple cello, tenor bass and six bass pan sets, as well as all accompanying stands, protective cases and pan sticks, the release said.

Robinson-Regis visited the St Margaret's Boys Anglican Primary School, winners of the National Junior Panorama competition (Primary Schools category), where she was serenaded by the school's steelband.

Robinson-Regis was accompanied by Stuart Young, MP for Port of Spain North/St Ann's West; permanent secretary Shanmatee Singh Ng Sang, EPOS chairman Hillan Morean, Panland president Micheal Cooper and other officials of EPOS.

She hailed the initiative as one that serves to keep the culture of the pan alive.

"We recognised the importance of preserving and nurturing the culture of the steelpan, especially in the region of its birth. This initiative, in collaboration with Panland Trinidad and Tobago Ltd, is more than just about providing instruments. It is about investing in our future, fostering a sense of pride, and ensuring that our cultural heritage is passed down to the next generation," she said in the release.

Robinson-Regis also gave a commitment to upgrade the music room at St Margaret's which is in dire need of repair.

She also noted that Panland was one of two recipients of government grants of close to $500,000 to boost pan manufacturing for export, the release said.

"This demonstrates that the Government is spending money wisely, supporting local businesses while promoting our cultural heritage globally," she said.

Speaking at the event, Young praised St Margaret's pupils as well as the dedication of their teachers and principal for fostering a thriving pan programme at the school

"This is what East Port of Spain, Belmont and TT has to offer," he said.

Morean said the initiative did not happen "vikey vie" but was a result of solid planning, good governance and foresight. He said EPOS will be signing a memorandum of understanding with PanTrinbago, aimed at developing more youth pan sides across the East Port of Spain area.