ΔΙΕΘΝΗΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΗΛΕΚΤΡΟΝΙΚΗ ΕΦΗΜΕΡΙΔΑ ΠΟΙΚΙΛΗΣ ΥΛΗΣ - ΕΔΡΑ: ΑΘΗΝΑ

Ει βούλει καλώς ακούειν, μάθε καλώς λέγειν, μαθών δε καλώς λέγειν, πειρώ καλώς πράττειν, και ούτω καρπώση το καλώς ακούειν. (Επίκτητος)

(Αν θέλεις να σε επαινούν, μάθε πρώτα να λες καλά λόγια, και αφού μάθεις να λες καλά λόγια, να κάνεις καλές πράξεις, και τότε θα ακούς καλά λόγια για εσένα).

Δευτέρα 13 Ιανουαρίου 2025

MINISTRY OF TOURISM, CULTURE AND THE ARTS DISTRIBUTES CHEQUES TO PAN TRINBAGO FOR UNSPONSORED STEELBANDS

 

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts is pleased to announce the distribution of cheques 2025 to Pan Trinbago for Unsponsored Steelbands. This, in keeping with the Government’s commitment to provide funding to the Steelpan fraternity. On January 10th, 2025 at the Ministry’s Head Office, Senator the Honourable Randall Mitchell, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts presented the cheques to Pan Trinbago, in the total sum of two million, four hundred and twenty thousand dollars ($2,420,000.00), going towards one hundred and forty-nine (149) Unsponsored Steelbands.

 

In preparation for Carnival 2025, this cheque distribution comes on the heels of the announcement of Cabinet’s approval of increased funding for Unsponsored Steelbands and Steelpan players, in December 2024. The increased funding aims to boost participation for Panorama 2025, promote greater inclusivity within the Steelband community and assist with competition preparations. Unsponsored Steelbands competing in Panorama 2025 will benefit from expanded financial support through grant allocations to sixty (60) Single Pan Bands and eighty-nine (89) Conventional Bands:

  • Single Pan Bands - Grant funding has increased from $7,500.00 to $10,000.00 per band.
  • Conventional Bands - Grant funding has increased from $15,000.00 to $20,000.00 per band.
 
Additionally, the per-player allocation has increased from $500.00 to $800.00, helping to cover critical expenses such as food and transportation during the season. These measures underscore the Government's commitment to supporting the Steelpan community, and promoting our National Musical Instrument.

The Ministry takes pride in continuing to support the Steelpan fraternity in its commitment to upholding the cultural legacy of this unique art form and its pioneers. Speaking at the official Cheque Disbursement Ceremony, Minister Mitchell reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to the Steelpan community: "Pan Trinbago has been a steadfast guardian of our National Musical Instrument, and we recognize that unsponsored bands face challenges in preparing for Panorama. By providing this financial assistance, the Government ensures that every band, regardless of their sponsorship status, can take the stage with pride and deliver performances that uplift our nation. As we approach Panorama and Carnival 2025, I encourage all bands and all players to bring their passion and creativity to the stage. Your music is a gift to the nation and to the world, and we look forward to a Panorama that celebrates our unity, talent, and cultural pride."

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts remains dedicated to upholding its responsibility to the cultural art form and enabling the Steelpan community to thrive. By recognizing the pivotal role of the Steelpan community, the Ministry acknowledges the importance of financial support to ensure growth and development within the industry.
 
Below is a photo highlight of the distribution.


Photo above: Senator the Honourable Randall Mitchell, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts (second from left) presents the cheque for Unsponsored Steelbands to Pan Trinbago officials, from left to right, Mr. Kwesi Moore - Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Beverley Ramsey-Moore – President, Mr. Terry Bernard – Vice President and Mrs. Lauren Pierre-West – Treasurer.