The National Parang Association of Trinidad and Tobago (NPATT) has issued a powerful statement of support for young parang performers following what appears to be public criticism targeting student participants. In a letter published by Newsday, NPATT’s youth officer Joseph Bertrand articulated the organization’s unwavering commitment to youth engagement in this traditional art form.
NPATT emphasized the vital importance of their Junior Parang Festival initiatives, which include both the National Primary and Secondary Schools Parang Competitions and the recently introduced Tribute to the Icons presentations. These programs are specifically designed to preserve and transmit the complete cultural package of parang—encompassing its musical traditions, linguistic heritage, and underlying values—to younger generations through deliberate and respectful methodology.
The association expressed concern about commentary that minimizes student efforts or undermines the substantial work undertaken by educational institutions, instructors, mentors, families, and established parang figures. NPATT contends such negative observations conflict with the fundamental principles of community, perseverance, and cultural dignity that parang embodies.
Addressing young paranderos directly, the organization encouraged continued dedication to their craft, invoking the traditional Spanish phrase ‘con alma y corazón’ (with soul and heart). NPATT positioned these young performers as crucial connectors between the foundational icons who established the tradition and future generations who will inherit it.
The association pledged ongoing support for youth development within the parang community, vowing to safeguard the art form’s authenticity while fostering an environment where parang can flourish through unity, mutual respect, and joyful expression.