Funding continues to be a major challenge to Pan Trinbago. This was reiterated last Friday when the Northern Region of the organisation hosted its Carnival 2014 prize-giving ceremony, hosted by Earl Morris, at the VIP Lounge in the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain.
Trophies and cheques were presented to the winners of the J’Ouvert morning Bomb and Groovy Soca competitions. A special award was also made to Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars for winning this year’s Band (Large) of the Year.
Addressing the gathering Pan Trinbago Northern Region chairman Gerard Mendez lamented the depletion of corporate sponsorship for this year’s Carnival. Mendez revealed that a major sponsor cut its endorsement by half in 2013, from an original $100,000, and this year reduced its sponsorship to $10,000. Mendez thanked Pan Trinbago for stepping up to assist financially, ensuring that every participating steelband received prize money.
Mendez also disclosed that his region is planning a steelband street parade through East Port-of-Spain later this year to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the nation’s capital.
The parade will culminate at Woodford Square featuring some of the popular large conventional steel orchestras in the region.
Other Northern Region plans include regular Sunday concerts at the “food court” in the Savannah, showcasing Single pan and small steelbands.
In his address, given in the absence of Pan Trinbago president Keith Diaz, vice-president Byron Serrette echoed Mendez’s sentiments of the critical reduction of sponsorship to steelbands and pan events from the corporate world.
“Sponsorship has always been a challenge to the steelband movement,” said Serrette. “Over the years this has been significantly dwindling.”
Diaz, with Pan Trinbago secretary Richard Forteau, are in Illinois, USA, at Northern Illinois University, to discuss plans for next year's International Panorama competition and conference.
An executive member of Pan Trinbago alluded to current plans by the organisation to initiate a venture to make Pan Trinbago completely self-sufficient by 2015. The steelband body is currently engaged in discussion with the state in an effort to make this venture a reality.
Among last Friday’s specially invited guests were deputy Port-of-Spain mayor Kerron Valentine and former Clico executive Andre Monteil who delivered the feature address.
Following the formalities, live entertainment was provided by an ensemble, led by popular Trinidad All Stars tenor player Dane Gulston.