T&T – UN Sponsored Steelbands Get $2.3 Million from Government 

The Trinidad and Tobago Government has approved $2.3 million in funding to support approximately 145 unsponsored steelbands ahead of Carnival 2026. The decision, approved by Cabinet, is aimed at strengthening the steelpan movement and assisting bands that operate without corporate sponsorship.

Speaking at the post Cabinet media briefing on January 8, Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin said each conventional steelband will receive $20,000, while single pan bands will receive $10,000. The funds will be used to cover instrument repairs, purchasing of new pans, and transportation expenses.

“These unsponsored steelbands perform duties that often go unsupported, which is why the government took this decision to continue grant assistance to these organizations,” Benjamin said. “We remain fully committed to promoting the steelpan as a cornerstone of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural identity.”

When questioned by Newsday about whether $20,000 was sufficient given rising operational costs, including transportation to Panorama, appearance fees for pannists, and the purchase of racks and instruments, Benjamin explained that the grant is just one of several funding sources available to bands. She noted that Pan Trinbago continues to receive significant funding and confirmed she met with the organization’s president Beverley Moore Ramsey earlier that day.

Benjamin also stated that the initiative is a traditional form of support and that this year the government is funding more steelbands than in previous years.

The announcement comes after several steelbands lost corporate sponsorships in 2025. Among the affected groups were Skiffle Bunch of San Fernando, Siparia Deltones, Couva Joylanders, La Brea Nightingales, and Tobago’s Steel Xplosion.

In a letter dated November 27, Heritage Petroleum Company Limited informed Skiffle Bunch of the termination of its sponsorship. The letter, signed by acting CEO Kerry Rampersad, thanked the band for its contribution to the cultural landscape and expressed appreciation for their longstanding partnership.

“After careful consideration, we regret to inform you that the company has taken a decision to discontinue its sponsorship of Skiffle Bunch Steel Orchestra effective December 27,” the letter stated. “We truly value the strong relationship built over the years and deeply appreciate the positive impact the band has had on communities and the country.”

Heritage Petroleum also requested that the band discontinue use of the company’s name and logo in future branding.

In September, the National Gas Company similarly ended sponsorship agreements with Couva Joylanders, La Brea Nightingales, and Tobago’s Steel Xplosion.

Despite these challenges, Pan Trinbago President Beverley Moore Ramsey expressed confidence in the success of Panorama 2026. Speaking to Newsday prior to the Cabinet announcement, she said preparations were progressing well.

“We experienced some challenges when we started out in November, but as of today, the stage at the Queen’s Park Savannah is almost complete,” she said. “The North Stand is going up and we are already active in communities. We are heading into the small band finals in San Fernando this Saturday, followed by medium and large band competitions.”

She added, “We are out there doing the work. Pan is life. Pan is Trinidad and Tobago, and nothing unites us as a people like sport and culture.”

The government reiterated that the $2.3 million allocation reflects its ongoing commitment to preserving and strengthening the steelpan tradition, which remains a powerful symbol of national pride and cultural heritage.