Highlanders Manager, Robert Hernandez, says the newly-constructed Highlanders Pan Theatre and Learning Centre is envisioned as a safe space for the youth of Laventille and East Port of Spain, where they don’t have to worry about borderlines and negative influences.
4.5 million dollars was spent on the facility.
East Port of Spain Development Company Limited recently officially handed over the center.
The facility was constructed at a cost of $4,056,146.93 as part of EPOS’ Panyard Upgrade initiative.
The company has upgraded seven pan yards to date: Desperadoes, D Untouchables Pan Groove, Blue Diamonds, Harlem Syncopators, Laventille Serenaders, TT Music Stars and Highlanders.
The upgraded pan yards contain classrooms, conference facilities, covered practice areas and rehearsal spaces, storage rooms and other amenities, inclusive of WiFi connectivity.
The pan yard is located on the Eastern Main Road in Success Village, Laventille, at a site that was once a gas station.
The gas station had been abandoned for over 20 years.
The band petitioned the National Petroleum Company for use of the site and after some four years of intense negotiation, was able to secure a 99-year lease of the land.
The band then approached EPOS with its plans for construction of the Steelpan Theatre.