St. George’s, August 7, 2011 – A local politician has said that Grenada steelbands, whose members are overwhelmingly youth in their teens and early twenties, deserve greater public support.
“These young people are doing a fantastic job and ought to receive more support and encouragement. One of the best ways to show this support and encouragement is by turning out in our numbers to their concerts and competitions,’’ MP Peter David said.
He was commenting shortly after the results of the National Panorama Competition of Spicemas 2011 were announced.
Friday’s competition at the national stadium involved eight steelbands. They were Coyaba New Dimensions; Pan Ossia; Republic Bank Angel Harps; Rainbow City All Stars; LIME Commancheros; Digicel Florida All Stars; Suzuki Pan Wizards; and Grand Roy Pan Angels.
The pan contest was witnessed by a relatively small but highly appreciative crowd that included Prime Minister Tillman Thomas; Finance Minister Nazim Burke; Youth Empowerment and Sports Minister, Patrick Simmons; Health Minister Senator Ann Peters; Mr. David, MP for the Town of St. George and Minister for Tourism; and Trinidad’s Minister for Arts and Multiculturalism, Winston “Gypsy’’ Peters.
MP David described the competition as “keen,’’ saying it’s a testament to the hard-work and dedication of the arrangers and pan players.
“With such caliber of players and arrangers, the future of pan is certainly in good hands,’’ the Tourism Minister said. “With increased support, including private sector backing for unsponsored steelbands, the quality of pan music in Grenada will only move from strength to strength.’’
Celebrations erupted at around 2 a.m. on Sunday after Angel Harps was declared winner of the 2011 panorama. The Tanteen-based steel orchestra, playing “Pan in U Face’’ arranged by James Clarkson, amassed 263 points.
In second position was Grenada newest steelband, Pan Ossia of St. John. Commancheros placed third; Pan Wizards fourth; New Dimensions fifth; Rainbow City All Stars sixth; Florida All Stars seventh; and Pan Angels was eighth.
“I extend congratulations to Angel Harps, which has now won both junior and senior panorama competitions this year,’’ said Mr. David.
“I’m also proud of the efforts of the other steelbands, including New Dimension and Paz Wizards, which are essential parts of the cultural landscape of the Town of St. George and Grenada. In addition, special tribute must be paid to Pan Ossia on what is a breakthrough achievement for this new steel orchestra.’’
