Steelpan Honoured in Historic Celebration Marking First Anniversary of National Instrument Designation and Launch of Steelpan Month
Port of Spain - In a momentous and culturally rich celebration, Pan Trinbago, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, hosted a historic event commemorating the first anniversary of the formal designation of the steelpan as the national musical instrument of Trinidad and Tobago. The event also marked the official launch of Steelpan Month, that took place on July 19, 2025, at the Radisson Hotel.
The evening brought together a wide cross-section of dignitaries, cultural icons, and Steelpan enthusiasts, creating an atmosphere of pride and reflection on the Steelpan’s role as a unifying symbol of national identity. Delivering remarks on behalf of the Minister of Culture and Community Development, Mr. Peter Kanhai, Chairman of the National Carnival Commission (NCC), emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to promoting and preserving the Steelpan artform. He also reaffirmed Pan Trinbago’s role as the world Governing Body for Steelpan.
In attendance were Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, the Deputy Permanent Secretary, Deputy Chairman of the NCC Kevan Gibbs, and President of Pan Trinbago Beverley Ramsey-Moore, alongside other distinguished guests including Steelpan Ambassadors Ryan Chaitram Vice President Communications and External Affairs and George Sealy, Vice President of Corporate Services at NGC, a proud supporter of the cultural sector.
In keeping with the 2025 theme, “From Roots to Resonance: Echoing Across Generations and Nations”, one of the key highlights of the celebration was a symbolic solo steelpan performance by living legend Dr. Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, followed by a moving performance from Emmanuel Joseph, a talented member of Pan Trinbago’s Youth Arm. This symbolic “passing of the baton” moment underscored the commitment to nurturing future generations of pannists while honouring the legacies of those who paved the way.
Attendees were also treated to the premiere screening of a commemorative documentary chronicling the journey toward the Steelpan’s official designation and the milestones achieved along the way. The celebration also included a ceremonial toast to the occasion and the relaunch of the Sydney Gollop Fund — a financial initiative aimed at supporting education, innovation, and excellence within the Steelpan community.
President Ramsey-Moore, in her remarks, described the event as “a historical and heartfelt moment for all Steelpan lovers and citizens,” noting that the recognition of the Steelpan’s cultural significance continues to gain momentum both locally and internationally.
As the echoes of the Steelpan resonated through the venue, the celebration stood as a testament to the enduring spirit of Trinidad and Tobago’s national musical instrument and a proud reminder of the legacy being passed onto future generations.