Youth Affairs Committee

OVERVIEW OF THE PAN TRINBAGO YOUTH ARM

The Pan Trinbago Youth Arm is a dynamic committee dedicated to nurturing future leaders, fostering innovation, and ensuring the Steelpan’s sustainability. Spearheaded by newly elected Education Officer Candice Andrews-Brumant, this initiative emphasizes succession planning, mentorship, and cultural sustainability. Aligned with Pan Trinbago’s mission, it leverages the Steelpan for human capital development and social transformation. The Youth Arm consists of young leaders from various regions and band categories, forming a nationally representative body committed to advancing the Steelband movement.

Mission Statement:
The Pan Trinbago Youth Arm is committed to empowering young pannists through mentorship, education, and innovation. We strive to develop the next generation of leaders in the steelband movement by fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and community engagement. Through regional and international collaboration, we aim to preserve and advance the Steelpan’s legacy while promoting its role as a vehicle for social transformation.

Vision Statement:
To cultivate a dynamic and globally connected community of young leaders who will champion the Steelpan’s evolution, ensuring its sustainability and prominence as a symbol of national pride and cultural heritage. The Pan Trinbago Youth Arm envisions a future where youth drive innovation in the Steelband movement, strengthening its impact both locally and internationally.

Key Objectives of the Youth Arm

• Mentorship Programmes: Develop structured initiatives to cultivate leadership and musical talent among young Steelband members.
• Education and Technology: Advance educational programmes that incorporate modern technology to enhance Steelpan innovation and accessibility.
• Global Collaboration: Promote regional and international partnerships to elevate the Steelpan’s global presence.
• Community Engagement: Strengthen ties within the Steelband fraternity to ensure the movement’s resilience and cultural vibrancy.

Roles and Functions of the Pan Trinbago Youth Arm 

1. Succession Planning and Leadership Development
   • Serve as a platform to train and mentor future leaders of the Steelband movement.
   • Prepare young leaders to transition into critical roles within Pan Trinbago and the wider steelband community.
2. Mentorship Programmes
   • Develop structured initiatives to nurture musical and leadership talent among youth involved in the steelband fraternity.
3. Promotion of Education and Innovation
   • Advance educational programmes that incorporate modern technology and innovative practices in Steelpan development.
   • Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and other learning opportunities for youth.
4. Community Engagement
   • Strengthen relationships within the steelband movement by fostering collaboration among bands from different regions.
   • Build strong community ties to ensure the sustainability and vibrancy of the steelband tradition.
5. Advancement of the Steelpan's Legacy
   • Promote the Steelpan as a symbol of national pride, unity, and cultural heritage.
   • Ensure the continuity of the Steelpan’s legacy by engaging young leaders in its preservation and promotion.
6. Global Collaboration and Representation
   • Facilitate partnerships with regional and international organizations to elevate the global presence of the Steelpan.
   • Act as ambassadors for Trinidad and Tobago’s national musical instrument on global stages.
7. Youth Representation and Advocacy
   • Provide a voice for the youth within Pan Trinbago, ensuring their perspectives and ideas contribute to the organization's decision-making processes.
8. Event Planning and Coordination
   • Organize youth-focused events, initiatives, and performances that promote the Steelpan and engage communities.
9. Cultural and Social Transformation
   • Use the Steelpan as a tool for positive social change, promoting unity, creativity, and community pride among Trinidad and Tobago’s youth.
10. Regional Coordination and Inclusion
    • Ensure equitable representation from all regions of Trinidad and Tobago within the Youth Arm.
    • Address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by steelbands in different areas.

The youth arm members are as follows:

Youth Arm Members and Positions

11. The youth arm members are as follows:

    • Chairperson: Mrs. Candice Andrews-Brumant, Education Officer, Pan Trinbago bp Renegades Steel Orchestra
    • Coordinator - Kristin Murrell - (Northern Region)
    • Team member: Omari Douglas – (Tobago Region)
    • Team Member: Keon Baptiste (Northern Region)
    • Team Member: Jhovan Samuel Scanterbury Eastern Region)
    • Team Member: Jerod Superville – (South/Central Region)
    • Committee Members:
    1. Tashie Kerr – (Tobago Region)
    2. Emmanuel Joseph – (Northern Region)
    3. Shaquille Gaskin – (Northern Region)
    4. Kimberli St. Clair – (Eastern Region)