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  • UWI professor Sonjah Stanley Niaah named to global panel for restitution of cultural heritage

    UWI professor Sonjah Stanley Niaah named to global panel for restitution of cultural heritage

    As efforts to address historical injustices and reclaim stolen cultural heritage gain global momentum, The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has announced that one of its leading scholars will join a new international expert panel advancing the restitution of African cultural heritage. Professor Sonjah Stanley Niaah, director of The UWI’s Centre for Reparation Research and interim head of the university’s Indigenous and Maroon Studies Institute, brings decades of specialized research and advocacy to this new global role, joining a cohort of 10 other experts drawn from across Africa and the African diaspora.

    The formation of this panel is rooted in years of global diplomatic and institutional action centered on redress for the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans. The body was established following the High-Level Consultative Conference on the Next Steps to the United Nations Resolution on the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans, which took place in Accra, Ghana in June 2026. It aligns with the United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/80/250, which formally designated the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialized chattel slavery as the gravest crime against humanity in modern history. The panel’s launch also follows direct bilateral discussions between Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and UWI Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, held during President Mahama’s visit to The UWI Regional Headquarters in Jamaica earlier this August 2026.

    In comments shared via The UWI’s official press statement, Professor Stanley Niaah emphasized that the appointment aligns with her lifelong professional and personal mission. “I am standing squarely within my purpose to make a difference in the lives of people of African descent through a life of service in education, research, and activism, from which we can see real change,” she said. “I am honoured to be invited to serve in this global capacity for restitution of cultural heritage, a reparatory justice issue which is very close to my heart.”

    The 11-member panel, which includes experts from Egypt, Peru, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal, Benin, Mauritius, and the United States, will hold its first official meeting on August 20, 2026. Tasked with a broad mandate to transform cultural heritage restitution from scattered symbolic gestures into a structured, accountable global practice, the group will deliver strategic and policy guidance to stakeholders worldwide.

    Key priorities for the panel include developing a comprehensive global action plan for restitution, expanding centralized international databases to track and identify cultural artifacts held outside their countries of origin, and creating standardized global frameworks for formal restitution claims submitted by source nations and cultural institutions. The body will also work to establish clear, practical timelines for the phased repatriation of stolen artifacts, while embedding transparency and accountability into every step of the process. Additionally, the panel will support capacity building for cultural institutions in source countries, helping strengthen museums, archives, and heritage organizations to better receive, preserve, and contextualize returned collections for local communities.

    A core overarching goal of the panel is to elevate cultural heritage restitution as a priority issue in international diplomacy, cross-border cultural cooperation, and global justice discourse, pushing beyond high-profile symbolic returns to deliver large-scale, meaningful repatriation that benefits descendant communities.

    Professor Stanley Niaah’s track record of scholarship and advocacy makes her a uniquely suited contributor to the panel’s work. A renowned cultural studies scholar, her research has reshaped global conversations around Caribbean heritage, cultural identity, and historical justice. In addition to her leadership roles at The UWI, she serves as Editor of the *Journal of Caribbean Sound & Music Cultures*, a leading publication focused on Caribbean expressive cultures. Internationally, she represents Jamaica on the International Scientific Committee of UNESCO’s Routes of Enslaved Peoples Project, where she has worked for years to document and center the histories and ongoing legacies of enslavement across the globe.

    In its announcement, The UWI highlighted that Professor Stanley Niaah’s selection reflects widespread international recognition of her expertise, and the far-reaching impact of her scholarship, teaching, advocacy, and public engagement on global conversations about cultural sovereignty and reparatory justice. Beyond the individual appointment, the placement gives the Caribbean a significantly amplified voice in global restitution efforts, ensuring that the unique heritage priorities and community interests of Caribbean populations are centered in global policy development.

    The UWI also noted that the appointment is expected to open new avenues for cross-institutional partnership, expand access to global resources for Caribbean heritage work, and grow cultural exchange opportunities across the region. These benefits are projected to strengthen the capacity and international profile of Caribbean museums, heritage institutions, and cultural practitioners.

    For The UWI, Professor Stanley Niaah’s appointment further underscores the institution’s longstanding leadership in advancing global action for cultural sovereignty, historical justice, and reparatory initiatives. “We take immense pride in seeing one of our most distinguished scholars contribute to this critical international effort,” the university stated.

  • Alexander Gomez Charged After San Ignacio Drug Search

    Alexander Gomez Charged After San Ignacio Drug Search

    Law enforcement operations in western Belize have resulted in two separate drug-related arrests within a 48-hour window, as authorities continue targeted crackdowns on illegal controlled substance possession and distribution in residential and high-traffic community areas.

    The first arrest unfolded shortly after 1:50 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, when a uniformed police patrol traveling along Bullett Tree Road in San Ignacio observed Alexander Gomez acting in a manner that raised immediate suspicion. Following standard protocol, officers stopped Gomez to conduct a voluntary search, which uncovered a small folded paper packet holding approximately 1.58 grams of material field-tested and confirmed as suspected crack cocaine. Gomez was taken into custody at the scene and formally charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

    In a second, unrelated operation just two days prior on Thursday, August 13, 2026, police arrested Alexander Underwood—a person law enforcement identifies as a known repeat offender with prior ties to street-level drug activity—in the Faber’s Road district. During a planned search of Underwood’s person, officers discovered a sealed transparent plastic bag tucked into his waistband holding 15.2 grams of suspected cocaine, a quantity consistent with distribution rather than personal use. Underwood was subsequently charged with possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply, a far more severe offense that carries harger legal penalties under Belizean drug law.

    Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, a staff officer with the local department, confirmed the details of both cases to local reporters. Smith’s account matches the evidence collected at both arrest scenes, noting that all searches followed official police procedures to preserve chain of custody for the seized narcotics. Both defendants are scheduled to appear in local magistrate court in the coming weeks to enter pleas and proceed with their legal cases.

    This report is adapted from a verbatim transcript of a local evening television newscast focused on crime and public safety in Belize.

  • Elisabeth Samsonhuis na jarenlange restauratie klaar voor nieuwe bestemming

    Elisabeth Samsonhuis na jarenlange restauratie klaar voor nieuwe bestemming

    After eight years of concerted effort led by a dedicated local foundation, the structural restoration of the iconic Elisabeth Samson House, located in the historic center of Paramaribo, Suriname, has reached completion. The landmark building was formally handed over to the Elisabeth Samson House Foundation following the conclusion of structural construction work on July 31, and will gradually enter partial use ahead of its official opening, which is scheduled for the completion of remaining interior fitting-out and site landscaping work.

    Standing at the intersection of Wagenwegstraat, Heerenstraat and Malebatrumstraat, the centuries-old building holds profound cultural and historical significance for Suriname. The project to rescue and restore the property spanned years of careful preparation, extensive fundraising, complex permitting processes, and hands-on construction work. Today, organizers say the once-at-risk monument has been saved for future generations.

    “This project proves that large-scale heritage preservation initiatives can succeed in Suriname when multiple stakeholders share responsibility and work toward a common goal,” explained Cynthia Mc Leod, award-winning author and chair of the Elisabeth Samson House Foundation. Mc Leod has spent decades championing the preservation of the building and raising public awareness of the remarkable life of Elisabeth Samson, after whom the house is named. She conducted extensive groundbreaking historical research into Samson, publishing her findings in 1993, before releasing a celebrated novel about Samson’s life, *The Free Black Woman Elisabeth: Prisoner of Color*, in 2000.

    Elisabeth Samson (1715–1771) was a free-born Black woman who built a successful business career and rose to become one of the wealthiest women in 18th-century Suriname. Her story will be the central focus of the new multi-purpose space hosted in the restored building.

    Under the foundation’s usage plan, the property will serve four core functions: a dedicated museum, a public cultural gathering space, office accommodation, and a new tourist attraction for visitors to Paramaribo. The first floor will house the Elisabeth Samson museum, fitted with period-appropriate historical furniture and curated historical displays. The ground floor will be transformed into a flexible multi-functional venue for lectures, educational workshops, and performing arts events. The second floor and attic have been designated for office space, while the basement is planned to host a hospitality operation. Revenue generated from office rentals, the hospitality venue, and tourist visits will fund long-term sustainable management and maintenance of the protected monument, ensuring it remains preserved for decades to come.

    The building itself carries a layered history of its own. In 1821, the colonial government purchased the property, which went on to host a range of public functions over the next two centuries, including a school, civil registry offices, and a popular wedding venue. From 1967 to 2012, it housed Suriname’s Ministry of Labor. After government agencies vacated the property, its future fell into uncertainty, as the neglected structure began to deteriorate.

    The Elisabeth Samson House Foundation was formally established in May 2018, and completed the purchase of the historic building in January 2021. Full-scale structural restoration work got underway in November 2022, addressing critical issues including the building’s load-bearing framework, roof, exterior facades, and flooring. Fit-out work, installation of modern technical infrastructure, security systems, and interior design work commenced in September 2024.

    The total investment for the full restoration and activation project totals approximately US$2.15 million. As of August 1, the foundation has secured US$1.84 million in pledged funding, and has spent roughly US$1.75 million on construction and early planning work. The foundation is still seeking additional funding to cover the remaining costs of interior fitting-out, site improvements, and initial operating costs ahead of opening. The project has already received financial support from a range of Surinamese and international organizations and individual donors.

    In the coming months, the foundation will gradually bring different parts of the building into use, with a grand official opening to follow once all remaining work is complete. For foundation leadership, the project is about more than preserving one historic building: it is intended to serve as a proof of concept for other at-risk heritage sites across Suriname. “Investing in heritage is investing in the future of Suriname,” the foundation noted.

  • Farmers explore new approaches as heat and other pressures challenge agriculture

    Farmers explore new approaches as heat and other pressures challenge agriculture

    Two regional agricultural knowledge-sharing events have wrapped up in Saint Lucia, leaving local producers excited to test innovative, climate-adaptive farming practices while calling for holistic solutions to the growing challenges of rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns. The second and concluding symposium, held August 14 at Orchid Garden in Union, Castries, brought together experienced farmers, agricultural engineers, and industry leaders to unpack tested, accessible strategies for boosting productivity amid a changing climate.

    For Fimbar Evans, a 10-plus-year veteran farmer who tends a half-acre plot of tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, peppers and tree crops, the event opened new doors to sustainable production. Already reaping the benefits of a drip irrigation system paired with rainwater harvesting that he installed in January, Evans says the method has cut down his labor time and reduced unnecessary water waste. Now, he is planning to add hydroponics to his operation.

    “I already have the space; I think I could adapt to try it,” Evans said, noting that the symposium’s focus on climate- and environmentally-resilient practices aligned directly with the on-the-ground challenges he faces, including increasingly hot growing conditions.

    The pair of symposiums were organized by Isratech, a Jamaica-based agricultural supplier and program facilitator that operates across the Caribbean region. The company is also preparing to launch a new local outlet in Saint Lucia in the near future to better serve producers on the island.

    At the closing event, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer Faustinus Monero and Isratech Technical Director Arturo Ramirez walked attendees through a suite of modern farming methods that have already delivered positive results for producers across Saint Lucia and the broader Caribbean. Monero emphasized that all the techniques shared are tailored to the specific pain points that local farming communities currently navigate, which include water scarcity, extreme flooding driven by shifting climate patterns, rising pest pressures, and widespread labor shortages.

    The adaptive strategies covered during the discussions ranged from low-cost, accessible solutions to higher-tech systems: vegetable grafting, large-scale rainwater harvesting infrastructure, solar-powered irrigation pumps, soil nutrient management through composting, hydroponic growing systems, improved pest and disease identification protocols, and multiple efficient irrigation methods including drip, micro and sprinkler systems.

    Lindsay Daniel, an ornamental plant producer who grows roughly 700 varieties of air-purifying plants, cacti, succulents and palms, echoed Evans’ positive assessment of the symposium’s focus on efficient irrigation. For Daniel, who lives with physical challenges that make manual watering difficult, the increasingly hot conditions amplified by El Niño over the past two months have made frequent irrigation an exhausting burden. Learning about automated, efficient irrigation systems has simplified her work dramatically.

    “It is interesting to know how easy it is to turn a pipe on and take care of my plants,” Daniel said, highlighting how the event’s practical discussions address real on-farm needs.

    During open discussions at Friday’s symposium, farmers and agricultural stakeholders raised critical questions about the performance, drawbacks, and upfront costs of the new practices. Ramirez responded by reaffirming Isratech’s commitment to collaborating with local producers to develop customized solutions that fit their individual operations and budgets.

    Addressing the pressing issue of water scarcity in Saint Lucia – an island that receives abundant tropical rainfall but fails to capture enough of it for agricultural use – Ramirez emphasized that rainwater harvesting is a foundational resilience-building step. “Even though we are in Saint Lucia with the tropical weather and with a lot of rainfall we are not taking advantage of that, so I think that first we need to look at the rainwater harvesting capability of the greenhouses for example or the houses and store that water in order to use it in the future not only for agriculture but for other uses,” he explained.

    Looking ahead, Isratech plans to host additional symposiums across the island to keep the collaborative conversation going between producers, industry experts and agricultural stakeholders, as the community works toward long-term, well-rounded solutions for a changing climate.

  • LIVE: Golden Drum Awards 2026

    LIVE: Golden Drum Awards 2026

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  • Small Craft, High Surf Warning in effect as tropical wave nears

    Small Craft, High Surf Warning in effect as tropical wave nears

    The Caribbean island of Barbados is preparing for potential severe weather conditions this weekend, as the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) keeps close watch on a developing tropical wave moving across the Atlantic Ocean. As of 11 a.m. local time Thursday, the weather system was positioned roughly 1,056 miles east of the island nation, with forecasters projecting it will track north of Barbados between Friday night and Saturday while maintaining strength as a robust tropical wave.

    The approaching system has already triggered changes to local weather advisories. According to an official statement from the BMS, gusty winds blowing ahead of the tropical wave have already degraded marine conditions across the region, prompting officials to upgrade an existing small-craft and high-surf advisory to a full warning. Beyond dangerous sea conditions, the agency warned that Barbados can expect powerful gusts, intense downpours, and frequent thunderstorms as the system passes. Forecasters added that additional watches and warnings could be rolled out as the weather event evolves and brings impacts to the local area.

    As of the latest public bulletin, no tropical storm watches or warnings have been issued for Barbados. Beyond the primary system of concern, the BMS is also monitoring a second tropical wave that is currently located approximately 2,006 miles east of Barbados, across the Eastern Atlantic. Forecasters note that this second system is expected to move into a marginally favorable environment for development over the coming days as it tracks northwestward. However, current climate modeling data does not indicate that this secondary system will pose any significant threat or impact to Barbados at this stage of monitoring.

  • LIVE: Police Press Conference

    LIVE: Police Press Conference

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  • Giraudel farmer harvests more than 250 pounds of seasoning pepper under ministry programme

    Giraudel farmer harvests more than 250 pounds of seasoning pepper under ministry programme

    The Caribbean island nation of Dominica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy is celebrating promising early outcomes from its newly launched Mini Seasoning Pepper Programme, after a South Region farmer delivered an impressive maiden harvest that validates the initiative’s strategic approach.

    Clint Pemberton, a grower based in Giraudel, has become the first participant in the programme to bring his crop to harvest, pulling more than 250 pounds of seasoning pepper from his plot. His successful yield comes as a tangible early proof of concept for the government-backed project, which is designed to lift local agricultural production by delivering targeted support to small-scale domestic producers.

    Unveiled earlier this year, the programme was crafted to address two key gaps in Dominica’s agricultural supply chain: first, to prevent potential seasoning pepper shortages for local agro-processors ahead of the annual Independence season celebrations, when demand for processed local goods spikes, and second, to boost consistent supplies of fresh seasoning pepper at DEXIA’s public fresh produce markets that serve local consumers.

    To set participating farmers up for success, the ministry provided each enrolled grower with 432 young seasoning pepper seedlings, alongside complimentary fertilizer to support healthy plant establishment and growth through the critical early development stages. Originally, the initiative set out to support 10 farmers to cultivate a combined total of one acre of pepper crops. However, following program adjustments to better align with farmer capacity and on-ground conditions, the target was revised to five farmers cultivating a total of half an acre.

    Ministry officials emphasize that Pemberton’s substantial first harvest is far more than a personal win for the grower: it demonstrates how targeted, strategic government support can empower local producers to scale their output, boost household incomes, improve livelihoods for farming communities, and strengthen Dominica’s broader food and nutrition security. As the country continues to build more self-reliant agricultural systems, this early success signals the value of small, targeted interventions in driving meaningful progress.

    The ministry also extended public recognition to the technical team that supported the programme’s rollout: Junior Officer Abna James, and Senior Officers Brent Symes and Delroy Williams, all of whom provided consistent on-ground technical guidance to participating farmers throughout the planting and growing process. Officials noted that the Mini Seasoning Pepper Programme is just one component of the government’s broader national strategy to expand local food production, reduce reliance on imported agricultural goods, and build a more resilient, climate-ready agricultural sector that can meet the needs of Dominica’s people for generations to come.

  • Belizean Sommelier Ian Nal returns home to strengthen Caribbean hospitality skills

    Belizean Sommelier Ian Nal returns home to strengthen Caribbean hospitality skills

    A trailblazing Caribbean hospitality professional is leveraging decades of global industry experience to lift up the next generation of tourism workers across his home region, bringing specialized wine and beverage expertise that is raising the bar for luxury hospitality across the Caribbean.

    Ian Adrian Nal, the first certified sommelier from the Caribbean Community, has built a decades-long international career spanning elite dining establishments in New York City, after getting his start through a transformative educational opportunity from the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Foundation. Now, he is returning to his roots to share his hard-won knowledge with local hospitality teams, starting with a pair of intensive training workshops held recently in Belize.

    The CTO Foundation, the charitable scholarship wing of the leading regional tourism body, has spotlighted Nal’s full-circle journey as a powerful example of the long-term impact of investing in Caribbean talent. Nal was selected as the second recipient of the Audrey Palmer Hawks Memorial Scholarship, a prestigious award that covered his studies at Cornell University’s world-renowned Hotel School. That educational foundation laid the groundwork for a standout career that would take him across leading hospitality, food and beverage organizations across the United States.

    After completing his academic program, Nal cut his professional teeth at CTO’s New York headquarters, followed by a stint at *Travel + Leisure* magazine. He went on to claim senior beverage roles at high-profile dining establishments: Chef Richard Sandoval’s acclaimed restaurant group, Michelin-starred Chef Terrance Brennan’s Artisanal, and the iconic Oak Room at New York’s legendary Plaza Hotel.

    Nal’s professional credentials are among the most impressive in the field: he has held certification as a sommelier with the American Sommelier Association since 2001, when he earned the highest score across the country on his final certification exam. He also holds a Level 1 Certificate from the Court of Master Sommeliers, has developed award-winning wine lists that earned multiple Wine Spectator Awards, placed highly in national wine and cocktail competitions, and was featured in *The New York Times* celebrated Dining section.

    Despite his international success, Nal has set his sights on lifting up the Caribbean’s hospitality sector, where tourism serves as a core economic driver for dozens of small island nations. He aims to pass on his specialized knowledge to local workers, helping regional destinations upgrade their luxury hospitality offerings and deliver more memorable experiences to visitors.

    His most recent capacity-building work brought him to Belize, where he led two hands-on Wine Sommelier Training sessions in partnership with the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and its Elevate Training Institute. One workshop was hosted on Ambergris Caye’s popular tourist hub San Pedro, while the second took place in Belize City. Participants ranged from practicing restaurant and bar staff, bartenders and mixologists to hospitality managers, supervisors and local wine enthusiasts.

    The training covered a comprehensive curriculum tailored to the needs of Caribbean hospitality professionals, including foundational knowledge of grape cultivation, winemaking processes, key grape varieties and global wine styles, hands-on tasting techniques, custom wine pairing with local Caribbean cuisine, proper wine service protocol, and advanced hospitality best practices.

    Nal summed up his core mission simply: “My goal is simple: to make wine easy to understand, fun to explore, and powerful in creating memorable experiences.” Looking forward, he plans to expand his wine and beverage training programs across the entire Caribbean, forging new partnerships with both public sector tourism bodies and private hospitality businesses. His overarching aim is to upskill local hospitality professionals and strengthen the region’s fast-growing luxury lifestyle tourism sector.

    Leaders across Belize’s tourism sector have praised Nal’s work as a critical investment in the country’s most important industry. Lloyd Enriquez, Director of Cruise and Capacity Development at the Belize Tourism Board, emphasized that specialized wine knowledge is a key component of upgrading visitor experiences and strengthening the skills of Belize’s tourism workforce.

    “Having a Belizean professional of Ian Nal’s caliber lead this training is especially meaningful. It demonstrates that we have local talent with international expertise who can help build capacity here at home and serve as example for others throughout the Caribbean,” Enriquez noted.

    CTO Foundation Chairwoman Jacqueline echoed that praise, noting that Nal’s full-circle career perfectly embodies the Foundation’s core mission of investing in Caribbean talent. “Ian Nal’s story is a powerful example of what can happen when we invest in the education and potential of Caribbean people. His journey from CTO Foundation scholarship recipient to an internationally recognized hospitality professional, and now a mentor and educator giving back to the region, embodies the spirit of the Foundation. We are proud to see his expertise being shared with the next generation of Caribbean tourism professionals,” Johnson said.

    Local hospitality businesses that participated in the San Pedro training also highlighted the transformative impact of the program. Leaders at Larimar Seafood and Steakhouse, one of Belize’s top dining destinations, called the workshop an invaluable professional development opportunity for their team.

    “This wine training was an incredible experience for our team, and it was inspiring to hear our staff say they learned so much about wine and service that they had never known before. That knowledge will help them provide an even better experience for our guests,” said Larimar proprietor Ruben Muñoz. Muñoz thanked Nal for returning to Belize to share his expertise, calling his commitment to giving back to his home country “truly commendable,” and also recognized the Belize Tourism Board for its ongoing support of hospitality workforce development.

    For the CTO Foundation, Nal’s career trajectory illustrates how targeted investment in Caribbean tourism professionals can create a self-sustaining cycle of education, achievement, mentorship and inclusive regional development. The Foundation reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to supporting the education and professional development of Caribbean nationals, while strengthening the skilled workforce that forms the backbone of the region’s $50 billion tourism industry. Professionals looking to connect with Nal for training opportunities can reach him through his official website, LiquidAssetsBeverage.com.

  • HELP THE PANYARDS

    HELP THE PANYARDS

    Trinidad and Tobago’s iconic steelpan tradition took center stage over the weekend as the country marked World Steelpan Day with the annual Ancestral Pan Walk, a celebratory procession that drew hundreds of cross-generational steelpan enthusiasts despite intermittent rainfall. At the heart of the festivities, however, was a pressing public call from Pan Trinbago President Beverley Ramsey-Moore for urgent government action to upgrade the country’s aging network of panyards — the community hubs where steelpan bands practice, perform, and gather.

    In an exclusive phone interview with local outlet the Express following the walk, Ramsey-Moore reiterated a call she first made over a year prior, urging the national government to temporarily pause new community centre construction in order to redirect funding to panyard upgrades. She emphasized that panyards have become far more central to youth engagement than underused community centres, noting that young musicians spend countless hours at these hubs honing their craft. “The only modern, well-maintained panyards belong to a handful of commercially sponsored bands,” Ramsey-Moore explained. “Most unsponsored groups struggle with basic, urgent repairs — everything from outdated plumbing to dilapidated bathroom facilities that need complete overhauls.”

    This year’s World Steelpan Day centered explicitly on cultivating youth participation in the steelpan tradition, with the Ancestral Pan Walk kicking off at the Massy Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra panyard in Port-of-Spain’s Duke Street before concluding at the bp Renegades Steel Orchestra pan theatre on Charlotte Street. Youth steel orchestras were featured as the lead attractions at both stops, framing the day as a handoff of the national cultural legacy to the next generation. Ramsey-Moore praised the enthusiastic turnout for the walk, but stressed that the steelpan community still lacks consistent, robust support from both government and corporate stakeholders.

    Opening up about ongoing challenges securing funding, Ramsey-Moore expressed disappointment with the recent pullback from Trinidad and Tobago’s corporate sector. “For four years, Pan Trinbago has overhauled its governance, delivering full clean audits, complete transparency, and clear accountability to bring back corporate partners,” she noted. “While corporations returned to partnership over the last two years, their continued engagement always hinges on the signal the national government sends about the sector’s priority.” She also pushed back firmly against narrow framing of the steelpan as an exclusively Black cultural tradition, emphasizing that the national instrument was created to be unifying. “Every creed and race finds an equal place in the steelpan,” she said. “It is not ‘a Black people thing’ — it is a powerful tool for positive national social transformation for all Trinbagonians.”

    One long-sought win for the community appears to be on the horizon, however: Ramsey-Moore voiced disappointment that the steelpan has not yet been added to the nation’s currency, but pointed to a recent statement from the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago confirming that the instrument will feature on the new $100 bill, set to be unveiled this August. She said she is hopeful the central bank will follow through on this commitment.

    Minister of Culture Michelle Benjamin echoed Ramsey-Moore’s call for panyard upgrades during her address at the bp Renegades Pan Theatre, affirming the government’s recognition of the critical role panyards play in nurturing cultural talent. “It is undeniable: all of this incredible national talent comes straight from our panyards,” Benjamin said in response to Ramsey-Moore’s appeal. “She is entirely right that we need to support the renovation and refurbishment of these spaces, because that is where our young people are every single day.”

    Even steady rainfall did little to dampen the festive spirit of the hundreds of attendees who turned out for the procession. As the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment Steel Orchestra played a rousing medley of classic and contemporary steelpan tracks, enthusiasts of all ages marched from the starting point at All Stars to the Renegades panyard, celebrating the legacy and future of the country’s most beloved cultural institution.