On the occasion of World Steelpan Day, I join the national community in celebrating the steelpan—our national musical instrument and one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most treasured gifts to the world.
Born out of the creativity, resilience and determination of our people, the steelpan is far more than a musical innovation. It is a powerful expression of our national identity, and from the panyards of Trinidad and Tobago its distinctive sound has travelled across continents, carrying our nation’s name with pride.
I congratulate Pan Trinbago, its President, Mrs. Beverley Ramsey-Moore, and her executive for their continued leadership of the steelpan movement, and I commend their efforts to involve young people in shaping its future. In the hands of our youth rests not only the preservation of a proud legacy, but the promise of its continued evolution across performance, composition, manufacturing, technology, education and entrepreneurship.
We remember with gratitude the pioneers upon whose shoulders today’s pannists stand—among them Winston “Spree” Simon, Ellie Mannette, Anthony Williams, Bertie Marshall, Rudolph Charles, Neville Jules, Sterling Betancourt, George “Sonny” Goddard, Pat Bishop, Merle Albino-de Cote, Clive Bradley, Robert Greenidge, Ken “Professor” Philmore and Dr. Jit Samaroo—whose vision transformed an instrument once marginalised into one now studied, performed and celebrated across the globe. We also salute the living legends who continue to enrich the art form, including Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Ray Holman, Amrit Samaroo, Dane Gulston and Liam Teague, and the many tuners, arrangers, composers, educators and pannists who sustain the movement.
I congratulate the local pan fraternity for keeping the steelpan vibrant throughout the year, and especially those steelbands and practitioners who proudly fly our flag on international stages. Even as we celebrate, I challenge the fraternity to deepen its involvement in our schools: every child in Trinidad and Tobago should have the opportunity to experience the instrument and understand the struggle, sacrifice and innovation that brought it into being.
The future of the steelpan belongs to all of us. On behalf of the people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and on my own behalf, I wish Pan Trinbago and every steelband, pannist, tuner, arranger, educator and supporter—at home and throughout the diaspora—a proud and inspiring World Steelpan Day.
May the voice of the steelpan continue to resonate across the world, carrying with it the creativity, resilience and indomitable spirit of our people.
