The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, in collaboration with Pan Trinbago, distributed $2.4 million in Grants to 149 unsponsored steelbands to assist in preparations for Carnival.
The cheques were distributed in a ceremony on Thursday.
President of Pan Trinbago, Beverly Ramsey-Moore, commended the bands for their hard work, stating that it has attracted more sponsorship, resulting in an increase in the payment that each band will receive.
“Our Marketing Department has now moved further in terms of asking for a donation to attracting steelband ambassadors. Those companies are now willing to come on board not just for Carnival, but are willing to assist us throughout the year with all our activities, and are coming on board as steelband, ambassadors contributing from $750,000 and over. And that is what is happening to your movement at this time.”
The Grants were distributed to 60 Single Pans and 89 Conventional Bands.
Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Martel Waldron, gave a breakdown of the increases received.
“The amounts for the Single Pan, $10,000, which is an increase, and for the Conventional Bands, $20,000, and we hope that those amounts will go a long way in your preparation for the competitions.”
Mrs. Ramsey-Moore said she admires the resilience of the band leaders and the players for showing up and participating in pan competitions even before the cheques were received.
“Even though you did not receive your assistance, which serves as a mobilisation fee, the Single Pan category came off. The Small Band category, we are moving into the Semi Finals on Saturday, and you are still awaiting your assistance, but the competition is going on.”