Over and over, the passage towards a smooth descent, as it pertains to our elderly folks, seems to be producing inauspicious circumstances. The more I delve into the prospects of hope for the said individuals, the more inimical the current position becomes.
August is designated as pan Month. So I felt it was an opportune time to once again cast some “mud” at the prevailing “wall” and hope that some will stick. Showing prudence to our elderly pan players will surely be acknowledged when acts of caring are placed in a demonstrative mode.
There are times when blessings are obtained from good deeds. Sometimes I feel compelled to refer to the good book for examples, in order to keep some sense of equilibrium close to my sanity. Where has the neighbourly love gone? And “love your neighbour as yourself?” Apparently, it has vanished into thin air. These concepts of virtue were held in high esteem years ago but somehow, in recent times, it seems that these two special commitments are difficult to be accepted in our society today. Let us for a moment visit what are the benefits elderly pan players attain.
It is my perspective that a committee be established to look into the whereabouts of our elderly pan men and women. This committee must be armed with the responsibility of ensuring that these folks are provided for, and not left to rally through life with little or no assistance. It is a strong view that those who have paid their dues and are not as fortunate to secure monetary assistance, could be doomed to perish.
It is a well-known fact that those who need assistance are always in the majority. Every so often, a discussion or argument is raised about the present conditions by which elderly pan folk are being treated. And the discussion or argument always seems to develop into incendiary remarks, causing little or no benefits to be attained. It must be noted that it is glaring to see a struggle is present as it pertains to the welfare of the elderly pan players.
August is therefore the appropriate time for those who see it fit to incorporate in the way forward, a plan to set the tone to ensure that those who are elderly be placed in a comfort zone. Appreciation must be a focal point between the elderly pan player and his/her contribution.
Where our pan is today, players must have taken tremendous pain and disrespect, not to mention the levels of abuse. But with persistence at the forefront of their goal, they withstood the test of time. It is outrageous for anyone to question the work our elderly did during this rapacious period. It is time that gratitude is shown and place our elders of this prestigious 21st century invention at the top of the “to do” list.
What will be of significance is the establishment of an unsung hero’s hall of fame, so that those who fought against all odds to place the pan where it is today can find tranquillity in all its splendour.
Not too long ago, I had the privilege of chatting with one of the elders of pan. Our discourse touched on several aspects of pan then and now. One salient point that struck me was his expressed concern about the lack of involvement of pan on the road on Carnival Monday and Tuesday.
He said it drew chills through his bones to see the absence of pan during the two days of the festival. Of course, he had to refer to the days when pan music filled the air on both days of Carnival. I questioned what he thought had caused that acute reduction of pan music on the streets during Carnival. And his answer was: we took it for granted. In other words, we felt pan was independent and on firm ground.
He indicated that this was something that had to be addressed with urgency during pan month. I then asked the goodly gentleman what he thought about pan executives considering a credit union for the pan fraternity. He found the idea to be a splendid one, that should be put forward to the powers that be, namely Pan Trinbago.
It can be easily said, it is not the things you do during pan month, but what is done to showcase pan all year through.
Just imagine the history of our pan elders being taught to our children from the primary school age. What an axiomatic effect that would have on those little ones!
It is imperative that the seeds of our elders’ history be planted in the minds of our young to ensure that continuity reigns. It is a general consensus that our elders are desirous or worthy of special treatment, but somehow the verbal aspect of this cause tends to lean towards only potency or inaction.
In the spirit of growth!
Anton La Fond
Advocate for the Elderly and Disabled