(Trinidad Guardian) With unanimous support, the National Musical Instrument Bill, 2024, was passed in the Lower House on Wednesday night. The Opposition’s support was unsurprising since the purpose of the bill is simply to ratify, in law, that the steelpan is the national instrument of T&T. It will still have to be assented to and proclaimed by the President.
The bill has only four clauses. The first two define what a steelpan is; the third declares the pan the national instrument; and the fourth mandates the minister in charge of culture to report to Parliament on the promotion, development, and impact of the steelpan nationally and globally every two years.
“This legislation will establish a definitive claim on the steelpan as an invention and innovation that was created in Trinidad and Tobago. Wherever the steelpan goes, it will be marked as a creation of this nation,” said Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Randall Mitchell, who piloted the bill.
“The designation of the steelpan as our national instrument will increase opportunities for strategic investments and intensify penetration in the highly competitive global cultural and creative market.”
Although they were not mentioned in the bill, Mitchell honoured the contributions of Winston Spree Simon, Ellie Manette, Anthony Williams, Neville Jules, and Bertie Marshall for their prowess as steelpan creators and players.
Pan Trinbago president Beverly Ramsey-Moore, who was in the Parliament viewing gallery when the bill was passed, was acknowledged as one of its main drivers. In a statement, she said, “On behalf of Pan Trinbago and the Trinidad and Tobago steelband movement, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for this formal acknowledgement of the steelpan as our national musical instrument.
“This historic step celebrates our rich cultural heritage and honours the legacy of all who have contributed to the steelpan’s journey. Thank you for recognising and elevating our national pride. This milestone not only validates our past but also propels us towards a vibrant future where the steelpan continues to inspire and unite us all.”