Trinidad and Tobago is finally on its way to making the steelpan the national instrument of this country.
This as the National Musical Instrument Bill (2024) which seeks to designate the steel pan as the national musical instrument of Trinidad and Tobago is set for debate soon in the Parliament.
The Bill was laid in the Lower House of Parliament by the Government yesterday in the name of the Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Randall Mitchell.
In the preamble of the Bill, it stated that the Government is committed to developing, safeguarding and promoting culture and the arts and sustainably strengthening the cultural sector.
It said the steelpan was originally created and pioneered in Trinidad and Tobago by its very own innovative and enterprising citizens, making the steel pan a significant source of national pride and the underpinning of the nation’s musical soul and rich cultural identity.
It also said it has long been the policy of the Government that the steelpan be considered the national musical instrument of Trinidad and Tobago.
The government in striving towards achieving the status as a modern state, sees it prudent to include this policy into law.
It also explained that steelpan’s origination in Trinidad and Tobago is internationally recognised and is further globally acclaimed through a host of events, schools and festivities and has continuously been highlighted on the world stage through various accolades, achievements and awards.
According to the bill, it is expedient that the steelpan be officially and legally declared as the national musical instrument in recognition of its fundamental value to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and its citizenry.