Penny wants steelpan taught in every school

Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has called for steelpan instruction to be made available in every school in T&T, describing the instrument as “a powerful symbol of identity, unity and creativity” that should be part of every child’s education.

Beckles made the comment via a release yesterday, ahead of today’s second anniversary of World Steelpan Day. She said the move would preserve the nation’s cultural heritage and inspire a new generation of pannists, innovators and cultural ambassadors.

“The steelpan is more than music—it is the living heartbeat of our history,” she said, recalling its origins in the hills of Laventille and its journey from being criminalised to being celebrated on stages around the world, culminating in the United Nations’ 2023 recognition of it.

She paid tribute to early pioneers such as Anthony Williams, Bobby Mohammed, Ray Holman, Bertie Marshall, Earl Rodney, Ken “Professor” Philmore, Jit Samaroo, Elliot “Ellie” Mannette, Pelham Goddard, Winston “Spree” Simon, and Carlton “Zanda” Alexander, along with modern-day exponents including Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Duvone Stewart, Dr Leon “Smooth” Edwards, Amrit Samaroo, and rising young pannists.

Beckles also noted that the People’s National Movement “boldly envisioned a future where the rich cultural heritage of the steelpan is celebrated globally,” pointing to the party’s 2023 advocacy at the United Nations for the official recognition of August 11 as World Steelpan Day.

“This not only honours our musical legacy but also solidifies the steelpan’s place on the world stage, uniting communities and inspiring generations to embrace the vibrant spirit of our art form. This is a proud and historic moment for our nation, and I applaud the efforts that led to this global acknowledgment of our cultural legacy.”

She said steelpan and the wider arts sector played a vital role in nation-building, youth development and job creation.

Meanwhile, Pan Trinbago is gearing up to celebrate World Steelpan Day today with a vibrant programme of performances, tributes, and cultural showcases across Port-of-Spain—the birthplace of the national instrument.

The celebration comes just weeks after Pan Trinbago marked the first anniversary of the steelpan’s official designation as T&T’s national musical instrument.

The designation became official in 2024 through a series of legislative and executive actions: approval by the House of Representatives on July 3, approval by the Senate on July 5, and presidential assent on July 19.

“The steelpan is the sonic embodiment of our heritage. It represents the creativity and determination of our people, and we honour all who contributed to its development—from early pioneers to modern-day musicians and builders,” Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore said in a statement.

The celebration begins today from 1 pm with live steelpan performances throughout the capital, featuring single pan and conventional bands and a special appearance by the T&T Defence Force Steel Orchestra.

At 5 pm, an Ancestral Walk led by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Band will start at Piccadilly Street, near the Massy Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra panyard, proceeds along Duke Street, and heads to Woodford Square. The formal celebrations at Woodford Square begin at 6 pm, featuring performances from bp Renegades Steel Orchestra, Nutrien Silver Stars, Republic Bank Exodus, Pamberi, NGC Couva Joylanders, and T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps.