Ramsey-Moore: Pan on the coat of arms, a source of national pride

PAN TRINBAGO president Beverley Ramsey-Moore says the replacing of the Columbus ships with the steel pan on the national coat of arms should be a source of national pride for citizens.

During the PNM’s special convention at the National Academy of the Performing Arts, Port of Spain, on August 18, the Prime Minister announced that the pan will replace the Santa Maria, Pinta and Nina as the country continues to remove the vestiges of colonialism.

Dr Rowley said the change would be made by Republic Day – September 24. He added the issue will be dealt with at the start of the legislative term.

The steelpan was named the national instrument after the passage of the National Musical Instrument Bill 2024 in July.

On the Tobago Updates morning show on August 20, Ramsey-Moore said she learnt of Rowley’s announcement while attending a function, hosted by the TT Independence Ball Committee, in Florida, over the weekend.

But she recalled she had attended an event in Miami soon after she became Pan Trinbago president, several years ago, where the issue was also raised.

“A lady had invited Despers, All Stars and Renegades to perform and there she was with the coast of arms and the steel pan in it. She was like, ‘You need to lobby and get the government to do this.’”

Ramsey-Moore said she did not expect that the change would have come so fast.

“To tell you the truth, it was shocking because I did not expect it to happen so fast. It was only recently, on August 9, that we obtained that special branding, that intellectual property protection of the steel pan, which is the geographical indication which says once and for all, Trinidad and Tobago is the birthplace of the steelpan.

“And so I believe all that would have come out of that World Steelpan Conference, Pan Trinbago being the successful applicant for the geographical indication. That probably would have spurred on the Prime Minister to make the announcement of which we are extremely grateful.”

Asked if she believes the announcement should have been made at this time, give the cost factor and its implications for citizens, Ramsey-Moore said, “The only that is constant is change. And change must come. Change is going to come. I am sure that the government would have thought this out. The Prime Minister did not just announce this off the top of his head.

“I am sure much thought would have been given to it. This is a moment for the country to stand and be proud. The steelpan is all-inclusive. It is ours. It came from the people, the struggle, the resilience. Why not?”

She said she spoke to a group of young people, ranging in age 18-25, who did not even know about the Columbus ships

“Some of them don’t even know. But they know the steelpan and they understand pan is Trinidad and Tobago.

“So yes there is going to be a cost. But at the end of the day, it is all about national pride. It is all about lifting the status of the instrument. It is all about the geographical indication. It is all about business bringing in foreign exchange and exporting our manufacturing industry.”

Ramsey-Moore also scoffed at talk about racial tensions on social media.

“When you look at what happens during Carnival time, Panorama, even at all of the events, I don’t see any racial tension. Pan is unifying TT. Pan is our people.”

She said there will also be those who will oppose “But at the end of the day, I think it is best for Trinidad and Tobago.

“I am so happy this is all happening under my watch and we will continue to advocate, give the various explanations and at the end of the day, I am sure TT will buy into it, that is the majority of people.”

Ramsey-Moore recalled in the early days, pan men were regarded as the outcasts in society.

Now, she said, the instrument has progressed to a level where it is being exported.

“Right now, most of our tuners are abroad in New York, Miami. Arrangers in the UK. Their services are being exported. So its an entire industry of love and patriotism. This is a moment for national pride.”