[UPDATED] Government gives $2.3m to unsponsored steelbands

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

THE Cabinet has approved $2.3 million in funding for around 145 unsponsored steelbands throughout TT in preparation for Carnival 2026.

Each of the conventional bands will receive $20,000, while single bands will receive $10,000.

Speaking at the post-Cabinet media briefing on January 8, Culture and Community Development Minister Michelle Benjamin said the funding would go towards instrument repairs, purchasing and transportation costs.

“These unsponsored steelbands perform duties that sometimes go unsupported, hence the government took this decision to continue grant support to these organisations."

She said the government remains committed to promoting the steelpan as a cornerstone of TT’s cultural identity.

Newsday asked Benjamin if $20,000 per conventional band was sufficient, given the cost of hiring trucks for transport to Panorama, payment of appearances fees for pannists, plus the cost of new pans, racks and transport. She said this measure was just one funding source for the bands and that Pan Trinbago was well-funded, she had that morning met president Beverley Moore-Ramsey.

Benjamin said this measure was traditional and this year the government was in fact funding a few more bands than previously.

In 2025, several steelbands’ state sponsorships were cut, including San Fernando’s Skiffle Bunch, Siparia Deltones, Couva Joylanders, La Brea Nightingales and Tobago’s Steel Xplosion.

Newsday had reported that in a letter dated November 27, Heritage Petroleum Company Ltd informed Skiffle Bunch of the termination of its sponsorship.

The letter, signed by Heritage Petroleum’s acting CEO Kerry Rampersad, said the company expressed its sincere appreciation for the partnership and contribution the band made to the cultural landscape during the sponsorship.

“After careful consideration, we regret to inform you that the company has taken a decision and will be discontinuing its sponsorship of Skiffle Bunch Steel Orchestra effective December 27,” the letter said.

It added that the company truly valued the strong relationship it built over the years and deeply appreciated the positive impact the band had on communities and, by extension, the country.

“Your contributions have made a meaningful difference, and we are grateful for that. As we move forward, we kindly ask that you discontinue the use of the company’s name and logo in any future branding.”

It ended the latter by thanking the band for its dedication and partnership in the culture.

In September, the National Gas Company terminated its sponsorship of three bands: Couva Joylanders, La Brea Nightingales and Tobago’s Steel Xplosion.

Speaking to Newsday before the announcement on January 8, Ramsey-Moore assured that Panorama 2026 would be another great event for the organisation.

“We know that we would have experienced challenges as we started out in November. But as I stand today (January 8), I am at the Queen's Park Savannah and the stage is almost complete.

“The North Stand is going up. We are already out there in the communities. We are going into the finals for the small band in San Fernando on Saturday (January 10) and then we begin the medium and large.

“We are out there, we are in the community, we are doing what we have to do. Pan is life. Pan is TT and there is nothing else that unites us as a people like sport and culture.”

reporting by MELISSA DOUGHTY

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

The Cabinet has approved $2.3 million in funding for around 145 unsponsored steelbands throughout Trinidad and Tobago in preparation for Carnival 2026.

Each of the conventional bands will receive $20,000, while single bands will receive $10,000.

At the post-Cabinet media briefing on January 8, Culture and Community Minister Michelle Benjamin said the funds would go toward fine-tuning and purchasing instruments as well as transportation costs.

“These unsponsored steelbands perform duties that sometimes go unsupported, hence the government took this decision to continue grant support to these organisations."

She said the government remains committed to promoting the steelpan as a cornerstone of TT’s cultural identity.