Good afternoon.
It is undeniably true that the steelpan is an important, transformational tool for cultural, social and economic development. Since the General Assembly of the United Nations declared the first World Steelpan Day in 2023, this is a truth now universally acknowledged. For the last five (5) days, 25 extraordinary young persons have experienced this truth and the transformational power of the steelpan firsthand, as they participated in this, the second President’s Pan Camp. In the mornings, these young persons were exposed, just as happens in the panyard, to the technical skills involved in playing the steelpan, and to mentorship talks from some of the most talented pannists and facilitators in the country. And in the afternoons, just as also happens in the panyard, they were engaged by some of our country’s most gifted communicators, in discussions on a variety of life-skills. The experience has transformed them in ways that words cannot adequately convey – although Tasia and Ethan both valiantly took language to the outer limits of its capacity to explain the inscrutable.
Her Excellency believes in the transformative power of the steelpan and of the panyard. It is that belief that has caused all of us, for the last five (5) days, to put down whatever else it is that we usually do, and to peer, for a second consecutive year, into the possibilities of the panyard model and its potential to bring about deep and lasting national transformation. It is that belief that has called us all into a deeper interrogation of the potential for the widespread application of the lessons of the panyard, to help model more constructive and creative behaviours in other areas of national life. Speaking on behalf of those of us who either witnessed or participated in this exercise, I can say no more, and say no less, than that we are truly grateful for the privilege of having been able to do so. Once again, the lessons we have learned have been as powerful as they are valuable.
One of the major lessons taught by this year’s edition of the Pan Camp – for me, at least – is the lesson of humility. Because when the curtain fell on last year’s Pan Camp, I stood on this very spot and spoke some bold words, which I now have happily to eat. I said then, that “It will be near to impossible to find Campers for next year, who are like those who blessed us with their participation this year.” Well, today, I am delighted to say that humble pie has never tasted so good, and that I stand well and properly corrected. What wonderful Campers we have had this year. Each and every one of them rose handsomely to the occasion. They learned to listen more attentively, communicate more clearly and collaborate more effectively. In so doing, they all grew in confidence and creativity, becoming more invested in their own development – just like their predecessors from last year’s Camp. And, also just like their predecessors from last year’s Camp, they have reported of their joy and their gratitude at having been seen and heard, especially by their dedicated and gifted facilitators and instructors.
For all of these joyous similarities with last year’s experience, this year’s Pan Camp was still different from last year’s, in some material but equally joyous respects. One of the most significant evolutions in this year’s programme was a deliberate shift in focus – in that the Camp aimed at engendering, among our Campers, even higher levels of competency and skill in playing the steelpan. Early on in designing this year’s Camp experience, the Technical Committee recognised that while it was important for our young people to gain as much as possible from the experience and learn how to play the song of choice, it was even more important that they left with a real, tangible connection to our national instrument, grounded not just in abstract appreciation, but in applied ability.
In order to meet this new objective, the structure of the Camp was adjusted. Significantly more time was dedicated to hands-on practice, guided sessions, and the kind of focused instruction that allowed our Campers to move from basic familiarity to confident execution. From all reports, it was a change that was appreciated by both the Campers and their instructors.
As well, “Take Me Home” was selected as a piece that the Campers could not only learn to play with confidence, but to truly master. We were especially privileged to have the song’s composer, Muhammad Muwakil of ‘Freetown Collective’, join us to deliver an inspiring session on the “Meaning Behind the Music,” giving the Campers invaluable insight into the heart and story of the piece that they had been tasked with bringing to life. And bring it to life, they certainly did.
We were also fortunate this year, to draw from a wider pool of talented young people. Our Campers last year came from The Cotton Tree Foundation, the Scout Association, Police Youth Clubs and the Girl Guides Association. This year, our panyard was enriched by the inclusion of members of the Trinidad and Tobago Cadet Force. Theirs was a welcome addition, bringing a distinctive sense of discipline and structure.
Another notable enhancement to the programme was the inclusion of more secondary school steel orchestras in the afternoon mentorship sessions. Their presence not only added depth to the programme, but created meaningful opportunities for peer-to-peer inspiration and musical exchange. And so, we were joined by the Provi-QRC Steel Orchestra; the Bishop Anstey/Trinity East Steel Orchestra; the St François Girls’ Steel Orchestra; and the Naps Combined Steel Orchestra. Representing more traditional pan sides were ‘RBC Redemption Sounds’ from Tobago, and ‘Panhandles’ from Mayaro – both of whom joined us yesterday for Joshua Regrello’s masterclass in ‘Going the extra mile to achieve success’.
They say it takes a village to raise a child. This is another truth that is universally acknowledged. Like last year’s, this year’s Camp is the result of the efforts of a village. Allow me, then, on Her Excellency’s and on my own behalf, to express how grateful we are to all of the villagers who came together to create this year’s experience for 25 of our nation’s children and for the scores of other persons who also participated in this year’s Camp.
We extend our sincere thanks to our friends in the Technical Committee: Ainsworth, Michael, Junia, Colin, and Nigel — for their expert guidance and coordination in planning this year’s Camp.
Our gratitude also goes out to our friends who comprised our exceptional instructors and indefatigable support and admin team: Clarence, Michelle, Amrit, Emmanuel, Dimitri, Kimberli, and Elizabeth. Their rich and diverse styles, and their singular dedication, combined to create a supportive and effective learning environment.
A special thank you to Akua Leith and his team from MITTCO, who brought the steelpan’s history and construction to life for our Campers; to Andrew ‘Soca’ Brumant for donating pan sticks; and to Shell Invaders for generously loaning us its instruments.
We are also immensely grateful to our afternoon mentors: Muhammad Muwakil, Justice of Appeal Gillian Lucky, Anna-Lise Nanton, and Joshua Regrello, for their time, wisdom, and the inspiration they so generously shared.
And of course, none of this could have been accomplished without the dedication, hard work and talent of another group of outstanding citizens, those right here at the Office of the President.
Each one of you has contributed immensely to the success of this year’s Camp, and Her Excellency and I are thankful, beyond measure, for your service and your belief in the power of this initiative.
Together, you have all been a true representation of a village. If this spirit of volunteerism, selflessness, and dedication could be replicated across our other national endeavours, there would be no limit to what our nation can achieve.
And finally, and most importantly, we say thank you to our 2025 Campers. I have neither the art nor the ability of Tasia and Ethan to express, in words, how exceedingly well you have all done. All of us, your mentors, instructors, parents, and the representatives of your organisations, are indescribably proud of you, and we all bask in the glow of your accomplishments.
This morning, Trinidad and Tobago awoke to the news of yet another state of emergency having been declared in respect of crime. Nobody is saying that the solution to crime lies exclusively in our country’s panyards. But what does it hurt to open ourselves to the possibility that a model of positive social and cultural interaction, such as that presented by the panyard, just might ALSO be a valuable initiative to assist the country’s efforts in that regard? It will cost us very little to try. It might well cost us a great deal if we do not. As Amrit said so poignantly at the end of his television interview on Wednesday, “Pan in more than you think it is”.
Her Excellency and I once again extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone whose time, talent, and dedication made this past week the phenomenal success that it has been.
Thank you, and, through the widespread application of the lessons of the panyard, may God transform and bless our nation.
Photos from The President’s Pan Camp 2025 available below:
