St. George’s February 20, 2009, (GIS)…. The Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, led by Senator George Prime, is endeavoring to take steel pan music to another level on the Sister Islands.
 
 The Division of Culture in the Ministry has hired well-known pannist Leroy Sylvester to teach pan music to students of primary and secondary schools.
 
 A spokesperson for the Division of Culture said the goal is to develop enough pan men and women to see the establishment of various steel bands on the islands, and the hosting of a panorama competition for Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
 
 Mr. Sylvester has commenced the tutoring of young pannists, holding daily practice sessions at the Hillsborough Community Centre.
 The government of Prime Minister Honorable Tillman Thomas has pledged itself to further developing and preserving all aspects of the rich and unique cultural heritage of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
 
 Apart from its input into steel pan on the islands, the government has also indicated that a contingent from Carriacou will be invited to participate in carnival on mainland Grenada in August.
 
 There are also plans to introduce schools in Carriacou and Petite Martinique to formal classes in poetry-writing, drama and Big Drum dancing..