UN – August 11 to be Declared as World Steelpan Day

The announcement for the declaration of World Steelpan Day was made on Friday through the United Nations Department of Global Communications by the spokesperson for the President of the 77th session of the General Assembly. She said: “…This is going to be followed by action and two resolutions. The first one would create a new international day if approved 11th of August would be observed as World Steelpan Day and a steel pan is a musical instrument that originates in Trinidad and Tobago.” This movement for a declaration started in 2019. Cabinet in 2022 approved that an approach be made to UN for World Steelpan Day to be declared on August 11 starting in 2023.

Min of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Randal Mitchell, is expected to speak at the UN sitting in New York today, July 24. He will lead a delegation that includes Pan Trinbago President Beverly RamseyMoore, pannist Ray Holman and a national steel symphony orchestra representative.

Minister Mitchell says he’s honored to be given the opportunity to attend the UN General assembly to place before it a statement and a resolution to be adopted for the recognition of World Steelpan Day. He says he expects the declaration will highlight the humble beginnings of the steel pan and of the country’s fore-bearers, the inventors of developers of steel pan, and throughout its development journey.

“The steelpan as we know it is not just recognized for its sweet melodies or for standing side-by-side, in world renowned orchestras such as our very own, the works renowned National Steel Symphony orchestra, but it is also recognized as an undeniable symbol of positive socioeconomic impact of communities, not just here in T&T and the Caribbean, but the world at large. It is recognized as an instrument that brings together society brings together communities, while at the same time it presents economic opportunities for all the participants in the steelpan movement.

Pan Trinbago has declared August as Steelpan Month. A parade will be held through the streets on Friday 11 August.