Approximately $80,000 was spent by the Ministry of Arts & Multiculturalism for a 15-day pan camp in Port-of-Spain and according to organisers it was money well spent. At a function to mark the closing of Pan Camp 2011 Neal Devonish, cultural programme co-ordinator with the ministry and administrator with the National Steel Symphony Orchestra (NSSO), said campers came from Maraval, Belmont, East Dry River, Laventille and Beetham Estate. A "large posse" came from Beetham Estate, he noted. Participants were not only taught how to play the pan but also the history of the instrument and life skills, which included spirituality, the development and nurturing of relationships and conflict management. Devonish insisted that pan, music and cultural activities were some of the best methods than can be used to develop young people.
He said in planning the camp they chose not to get the police involved. "We chose not to bring any police in the camp. We said we had enough police." Devonish said members of the NSSO were used to instruct the campers. NSSO captain Kareen Brown said participants were taught three pieces including Benjai's "Trini." Minister in the Ministry of Arts & Multiculturalism Embau Moheni, in an address, said witnessing what could be learnt in three short weeks was a great experience. "Someone once said the time will come when the passport for a T&T citizen will be his ability to beat the pan.
"That time is near. After witnessing the campers play I am convinced that the playing of pan is already within our genes," Moheni said. He said the holistic nature of the camp would make the children more well-rounded individuals. The Minister also said value would be added to the community if panyards could be used as centres for the development of people. Minister of Arts & Multiculturalism Winston "Gypsy" Peters, in a written statement, said the technical mastery the campers acquired was one of his ministry's goals in establishing Pan Camp 2011. "Another of our desires was to make our nation's panyards places where young people can come, have fun, feel safe and develop as musicians," he said.