The government should be credited for resuming its financial support for 153 unsponsored steel orchestras and 6,283 trouser players to help prepare for the Panorama component of Carnival 2023, the most famous nationwide theatrical stage in the world with road production. Given today’s economic woes, the investment — $15,000 for a conventional 94 and $7,500 for a single 59 — won’t go very far, but the gesture is warmly welcomed. Like their lesser sponsored brethren, they will also receive appearance fees and win handsome prizes for high quality performances. These investments are all well-earned, “because they, while their companions slept, were toiling up in the night.”
However, there is concern about the conflicting message being sent by the Government, whose determination to reduce budget allocations for grants and subsidies has become a controversial issue. And rightfully so. The plight of the marginalized and vulnerable cannot be ignored, a social disadvantage in itself. Therefore, ways must be found through which this permanent dependence on the treasury can be minimized.
In this case, it seems that it is up to the Government to rally the business community to take their fair share of social responsibility in this matter. After all, isn’t this the sector that benefits the most from the commercial activity generated by Carnival?
Of the approximately 4,000 industrial enterprises and 37,000 commercial enterprises in Trinidad and Tobago, are we saying that we cannot discern only 0.37 percent who are socially responsible enough to sponsor one of these 153 steel orchestras?
A cursory glance at the overwhelming benefits to be derived is justifiable cause for astonishment. The fact that 0.37 percent of our approximately 41,000 businesses do not appear to possess the resources to engage in this community outreach stretches one’s imagination.
Steel belt sponsorship, properly executed, is an exercise in mutual development and goodwill. On the one hand, it exposes our youth to mentoring, the elements of budgeting, inventory control, record keeping, environmental awareness, community pride, team spirit, orderliness, discipline, responsibility, accountability, and preoccupation in constructive and productive pursuits of character building. It fosters ambition, a passion for excellence and aspirations to be the best.
On the other hand, it is not necessary to read and write its impact on the reduction of crime and illegality, as well as the fact that the sums invested are recirculated within the same business communities. In the final analysis, the devastating price paid for sponsorship neglect makes the actual cost of sponsorship pale into insignificance.
A great deal of credit must go to some Steel Belt sponsors, especially those who rose to the challenge before the introduction of tax exemptions for culture, art, sport and scholarships in 1979.
What is our business organization’s philosophy on community relations? Is it focused on youth, education, culture, art, sports, religion, health? What do they identify with?
How many of our business leaders care enough to go in and take an interest in the needs of their neighborhoods, to see how their customers live, to ascertain their worries and concerns, their hopes and aspirations: what it means life for the communities among which they all function throughout the year?
How many are prepared to develop programs that will bring relief to vulnerable and at-risk youth, provide educational and cultural initiatives, and encourage self-help in the repair and maintenance of small infrastructure equipment in their communities?
Why can’t any well-resourced business adopt a steel orchestra, a school, an orphanage or a youth group, provide scholarships for those whose parents can’t afford them, save a chunk more much of their earnings to improve physical amenities in surrounding communities or simply help others enjoy a meaningful life.
Yes. We live in uncertain times. They challenge captains of industry to conceive, develop, plan and execute corporate strategies and programs that take into account the priority needs of the communities that make up their neighborhoods. It is no longer what they personally like or prefer that would ensure the survival and success of the corporation. It is the extent to which they can identify with helping to provide for unavoidable needs that would otherwise destabilize their homes, communities, educational institutions and workplaces, threaten the assets we all work so hard to secure. built and risked our lives. and the children we love so much.
Businesses can only survive when those they serve can afford the cost of the products or services they provide. Moreover, it is business to be fearlessly and objectively proactive, not to be distant, vindictive, arrogant or mean, but to act as partners with their communities, walking each other on the path of progress and a way better living for all.
Where corporate social consciousness abounds, nations prosper and grow.
— Author Roy Mitchell is former advisor and special coordinator, National Tripartite Advisory Council (NTAC).
