Steelpan arranger Darren Sheppard was presented with his Commonwealth Points of Light award by British High Commissioner Harriet Cross in recognition of his outstanding voluntary service in teaching steel music education to students.
In a statement, the British High Commission said Queen Elizabeth II, as Head of the Commonwealth, recognized Darren Sheppard, representing Trinidad and Tobago, as the 220th Commonwealth Point of Light in April.
The High Commission said the recognition was in honor of his outstanding volunteer service leading music education programs for youth and seniors.
The High Commission said San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello attended the award presentation and congratulated Mr Sheppard on his achievement, while the Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, the Honorable Senator Randall Mitchell also spoke at the event.
Minister Mitchell said:
“We need more Darren Sheppards in our communities in Trinidad and Tobago. Darren Sheppard represents selflessness, a strong commitment to future generations, commitment to community pride and development. Darren has demonstrated an unyielding, unwavering tenacity in using our cultural assets to bring out the best in us as a people, here in Trinidad and Tobago. Darren is truly a light, a beacon in our community and I wish that he will continue his public spirit to light up Trinidad and Tobago for many, many years to come.”
Harriet Cross, British High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, said:
“The work Darren is doing to support and empower his community is inspiring and a great example of being a beacon of light and hope to the world. His contributions to the development of San Fernando, through his work with the youth and the elderly in the community is an admirable example for all of us. I am proud and happy to present this award. The steel pan is appreciated globally and has many fans in the UK. It’s encouraging to see it being used not only as a musical instrument, but an instrument to inspire hope and change for future generations. This award, given to outstanding individuals in Commonwealth countries, is very important to the United Kingdom and to Her Majesty the Queen, who has singled Darren out for this recognition. I congratulate Darren on his achievement.”
The Commonwealth is a diverse community of 54 nations working together to promote prosperity, democracy and peace. The Heads of Government meeting brought together leaders from all 54 member countries to reaffirm shared values, address common global challenges and agree how to work to create a better future for all citizens , especially young people.
The High Commission said voluntary service is a vital part of this agenda, which is why Her Majesty the Queen has chosen to recognize outstanding volunteers across the Commonwealth in this special way.
Darren, 49, is a drummer who leads the ‘Fonclaire Steel Orchestra’, a steel band that has helped teach music and run educational programs for over 1,000 children in schools in South Trinidad.
Darren has been a member of the orchestra for over 40 years, starting when he was a child, and has since founded numerous steel orchestras, both in Trinidad and Tobago and in Canada, where he has worked as a musician. Through the Fonclaire Steel Orchestra, Darren and his network of volunteers aim to support under-resourced communities and use music to provide life-changing opportunities for young generations.
The orchestra has also recently set up a program for the elderly that teaches music to seniors who turned to music as a form of therapy during the Coronavirus pandemic.