Pan Trinbago glad for grant to unsponsored bands

News Sean Douglas 4 Hrs Ago

Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin on January 8. - Photo by Lincoln Holder

PAN Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore expressed her thanks for the government's $2.3 million in funding for unsponsored steel-bands, in a statement via WhatsApp to Newsday on December 9. The grant was announced on December 8 by Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin at the post Cabinet briefing at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's.

The minister said the grant would pay to buy and chrome steel pans and for transportation costs for 147 bands.

Ramsey-Moore said, "Pan Trinbago wishes to clarify that the financial assistance announced by the Honourable Minister of Culture and Community Development is not new.

"This support has existed previously and is directed toward unsponsored carnival bands participating in carnival activities."

She said the grant was not limited to Panorama bands nor bands participating in competitions only.

"We also wish to note that the allocation was increased last year (2025), having been moved under the Carnival framework and adjusted from $7,500 to $10,000 for single pan Bands and $15,000 to $20,000 for conventional bands.

"We are pleased that this increase has been consistently maintained by the current government."

She said Pan Trinbago looks forward to continued collaboration with the government and the ministry in strengthening support systems for steel-bands and the national musical instrument.