A significant controversy has erupted following the December 20 Panorama small conventional band semifinals, with mounting calls for the disqualification of TTEC New East Side Dimension. The Tobago-based steelband failed to perform in its originally drawn position of number five due to severe travel and accommodation complications, eventually taking the stage in position nineteen instead.
Arranger Kersh Ramsey detailed to Newsday on December 21 the extraordinary logistical challenges that plagued the band’s journey from Tobago to Trinidad. These included critical transportation failures, accommodation breakdowns, and personal baggage delays that left musicians without basic necessities and unable to practice for the prestigious competition.
The situation has drawn comparisons to previous Panorama incidents where strict enforcement of performance order rules led to disqualifications. Critics specifically reference Valley Harps’ elimination from medium band semifinals for technical difficulties and NLCB Fonclaire’s exclusion from a Panorama final after delayed instrument arrival. Some commentators have alleged preferential treatment, noting Ramsey’s familial connection to Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore, though these claims remain unsubstantiated.
Despite the controversy and significant competitive disadvantages, TTEC New East Side Dimension achieved a remarkable fourth-place finish with 272 points for their arrangement of Sparrow’s ‘Water de Garden,’ maintaining their preliminary round ranking. The band has secured advancement to the finals scheduled for January 10, 2026, at Skinner Park in San Fernando.
The semifinal competition at Victoria Square, Port of Spain, saw Southern Stars Steel Orchestra (D’South Band) and Uptown Fascinators Steel Orchestra maintaining their leadership positions. Defending champions Golden Hands Steel Orchestra dramatically improved their standing from seventh to third place. Due to multiple scoring ties, sixteen bands instead of the planned fourteen will progress to the finals, including three-way ties for seventh and thirteenth places among several accomplished ensembles.
Ramsey has indicated that comprehensive arrangements are being implemented to prevent recurrence of the logistical issues, allowing the band to focus entirely on their championship aspirations in the upcoming finals.