That’s insulting, Mr Pan President

Today the Pan Buzz is disappointed with the approach of Pan Trinbago’s president Keith Diaz towards the media as he fights off allegations of a dictatorial style of leadership, unilateral decisions and expenditures and a division in the executive. Two members of the executive, Keith Simpson and Beverley Ramsey-Moore have resigned, making serious claims. At a membership meeting last Sunday at Scherzando panyard, Curepe to clear the air, 30 minutes into the meeting a member queried why the media were at a “private meeting” and were asked to leave. We obliged, but Pan Buzz finds this rather insulting and disrespectful. Why after 30 minutes was it decided that the media should not be there? The media and Pan Trinbago have a cordial relationship. Why did this take place? 

 

 

The media were there at the meetings when the former Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism waged a war against Pan Trinbago. Back then, Pan Trinbago needed all its friends, and there was no talk of a “private meeting.” This new development begs the question: Is Pan Trinbago a private members’ club, supported by state funds? One would think that with the controversy surrounding the resignations and the allegations, Pan Trinbago would have capitalised on the opportunity to ventilate all the facts, especially president Diaz, who is himself a media man. But no, the media were told a release will be issued, as if the media were a convenient tool of the pan body. With Pan Trinbago looking to change its image, this is another setback and stumble by the body, which could only add to the perception that the organisation has something to hide, or does not know how to handle this controversy.

 

 

Pan for a half of a blue note

Pan Buzz is getting his glad rags ready for this weekend concert, Pan On A Higher Note, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts, Lord Kitchener Auditorium, tomorrow and Sunday. The National Symphony Steel Orchestra (NSSO) under the baton of Jessel Murray will take the spotlight, along with Tambores de Cabildo of Colombia. The concerts are part of the Arts Showcase, in celebration of our 50th anniversary of Independence. Tomorrow’s show starts at 8 pm and Sunday’s at 6 pm. Tickets can be obtained from NAPA box office. Call 627-1104;625-4424. Pan people, go out and support this show for only half of a blue note—$50.

 

 

Carnival in Carenage

I keep hearing that fallen ironman Francis Wickham got a fitting send-off in his hometown Carenage last week. Members of the community turned out in their numbers to say goodbye to the man called “Peacock.” Pan Buzz understands it was like a Carnival, with dancing in the streets on the way to the cemetery, with music supplied by Sapophonics, the “best little band in the west.” Earlier, Caribbean Airlines Invaders played at the Roman Catholic church. Wickham will be remembered as one of the best ironmen to walk this land. He is immortalised in David Rudder’s song, The Engine Room.