PRESIDENT’S WELCOME ADDRESS

LAUNCH OF AFRICA T&T STEELPAN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD

TUESDAY 10^TH JULY 2012

HYATT REGENCY HOTEL

6:00PM

Permanent Secretary and technical officers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Co-Chairman of T&T Nigeria Chamber, Ladi Franklin, and Daniel Lambert and other members of the Chamber, Directors of the Board of Africa, Trinidad and Tobago Steelpan Development Company Ltd, Officers of Pan Trinbago, members of Steelbands here present and in particular Len “Boogsie” Sharpe and the Republic Bank Exodus Steel Orchestra.

It gives me a special sense of pride to be part of what can best be described to be a significant mile post in the life of Pan.  The significance extends more importantly into the sphere of the economics and social life of Trinidad and Tobago.

In respect of Nigeria, we are quite happy that his country is to be the launch pad of Steelpan commercial activity on the Nigerian Continent.  Incidentally, it is there that it all started.  Our history shows that the civilization of the early 100 b.c. which was subsumed by Nigeria had a very progressive iron culture.

Pan Trinbago welcomes the Nigerian Contingent and sincerely looks forward to a vibrant and successful partnering.  It would be very remiss of me were I to neglect – mention of the important role played by our High Commissioner Nyahuma Obika stationed in Nigeria and the Past President of Nigeria Chief Olusegan Obasanjo for the role they played in the forming this business enterprise, which has the potential to impact our economy in a positive manner.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs which today is partnering with us in the launch of the Africa Trinidad and Tobago Steelpan Development Company Ltd., has been extremely cooperative and demonstrated an appreciation for the vast possibilities that lies in the strengthening of these bands both diplomatically and commercially.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is an occasion of much importance for use who seeks to enhance the development of the Pan and the Player, the Pan and the Tuner, and the Pan and the Arranger.

We look forward to a very exciting future.