According to the views of many, it’s high time that the steelpan officially be declared the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago and Independent Senator Sunity Maharaj has filed a motion calling for this to be done in short order.
The motion also calls for a Joint Select Committee of Parliament to be established to determine the best mechanism for giving meaningful effect to the declaration of the pan as the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago.
Maharaj’s resolution stated: “Whereas the Steelpan was inspired into creation in Trinidad and Tobago, which was recognised in the United States General Assembly’s proclamation of August 11th as World Steelpan Day;
“And whereas through the inventiveness, dedication, and intelligence of generations of citizens, the steelpan now stands as a powerful symbol of cultural identity and a source of national pride for citizens resident within and outside of Trinidad and Tobago, and occupies a distinctive place among the musical instruments of the world;
“And whereas citizens widely revere the steelpan as the national musical instrument of Trinidad and Tobago yet the recognition of the steelpan as the national musical instrument of Trinidad and Tobago has not been codified in law;
“Be it resolved that the steelpan be declared the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago;
“Be it be further resolved that a JSC be established to determine the best mechanism for giving meaningful effect to this declaration.”