The Cabinet of Trinidad and Tobago has approved specific financial measures to assist the Steelband movement for the 2023 Carnival and the 2023 Panorama competition.
After a recent meeting, the cabinet agreed to pay unsponsored steelband grants for Carnival 2023; and also make a remittance payment of TT$500.00 (One TT dollar = 0.16 USD US$ cent) to each steel player for Panorama 2023.
In a statement, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts said the measures are being taken in recognition of the important role played by the Steel Belts and the Steel Belt Movement in the cultural and social fabric and development of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as the financial one. . the difficulties faced by individuals and organizations in the Steelpan movement as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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“In recent years, the government has traditionally provided financial support to facilitate the participation of unsponsored generations in national carnival celebrations. The allocation of these funds is used for essential preparatory activities such as transportation, mixing, chroming and instrument repair,” the statement said.
For Carnival 2023, Cabinet has approved grants payable in the amount of TT$15,000 in support of conventional bands and $7,500 in support of single bands.
These grants will be made available for a total of 153 steel strips: 94 conventional strips and 59 single strips.
According to the ministry, Panorama is a fundamental part of the national carnival celebrations and “is an important ingredient in our carnival product”.
In 1998, the government introduced a grant payment to steel players (remittances) who participate in the annual Panorama competitions. These remittances provided much-needed resources to steel players, many of whom were from difficult socio-economic backgrounds.
“Given the socio-economic climate, it would be beneficial for communities to associate their members, especially their youth, with a disciplined and structured steel belt construction environment.”
In this regard, Cabinet has approved a remittance of $500.00 per bowler for Panorama 2023. This measure will benefit a maximum of 6,283 bowlers to help fund out-of-pocket expenses when they travel to and from venues .
“These measures are intended to take advantage of the opportunities for human and social development and to create community pride and ownership that are available through greater participation in the steel belt movement and the structure and discipline it provides in its yards over carnival season. and throughout the year”, emphasized the Ministry.
CMC/
