Boycott, what Boycott?

Seems like the threats to boycott Panorama finals in South are not being heeded by all bands... if any at all. No fears for semis on Feburary 4th, as reported in the following Guardian article, the big bands are preparing for a South Panorama:

BY SEAN NERO

PAN LOVERS around the world can rest assured that their favourite large conventional steel orchestras have no plans to boycott Panorama 2007.

Leaders of Phase II Pan Groove, Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars, PCS Nitrogen Starlift and Witco Desperadoes Steel Orchestras told the Guardian, while Pan Trinbago’s decision to stage the final of the National Panorama Competition at Skinner Park, San Fernando, was not entirely favoured by their members, band executives had no intention to withhold musical services from one of Carnival’s premier events.

Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, chairman and arranger of reigning National Panorama champion Phase II Pan Groove, said: “I have nothing to say. When I talk about things that affect us in an attempt to make it right, I get kick in the buttocks. I don’t care if Panorama is held in Alaska or on the moon, Phase II will be there!”

Describing himself as someone who accepts change, Sharpe said many past decisions by Pan Trinbago had severely and negatively affected pan people, but they don’t complain.

He continued: “Pan is my livelihood. That’s why I complain. But when I do, I don’t get any support. So if pan people are looking for me to make noise, they are wasting their time. Phase II is going Panorama and needs a sponsor to help the band get there. That’s what I have to say.”

At a special sitting of Parliament on December 18, 2006, Culture Minister Joan Yuille-Williams unveiled plans for Carnival 2007, as recommended by Carnival Special Interest Groups (SIGs) Pan Trinbago, National Carnival Bands’ Association (NCBA) and the Trinbago Unified Calypsonian Organisation(Tuco).

Pan Trinbago’s proposal requested use of the western end of the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, for the semifinal round of the series, then the historic move to Skinner Park, San Fernando, for the final.

Despite the Government’s declaration that the Grand Stand would be out of bounds for Carnival 2007, to make way for a state-of-the-art Carnival Entertainment Centre, many panmen have been unable to accept the decision, since the traditional venue is still in tact.

So some panmen have been quietly soliciting support for a Panorama boycott among steelband heavy weights.

Barry Mannette, PCS Starlift captain, said: “No, no, no! My band is going to Skinner Park or anywhere else that Panorama is being held. We have spoken to sponsor PCS. They usually handle trucking arrangements and have already given that commitment.”

He revealed that Starlift had already begun Panorama practice sessions and was preparing to receive its full complement of pannists from tonight.

Beresford Hunte, leader/manager of five-time National Panorama champion Trinidad All Stars, was first among the said leaders to raise the controversial issue.

He did so at his band’s annual dinner and first awards ceremony on Saturday night at its Duke Street, Port-of-Spain, headquarters.

His message to members of Trinidad All Stars was “wherever Panorama is taking place, Trinidad All Stars will be there. Whether it’s Skinner Park, the Savannah or behind the bridge.”

Desperadoes captain Bertram Glasgow expressed similar sentiments to his Trinidad All Stars compatriot.

But, according to Glasgow, Desperadoes is being cautious.

We have attended all the meetings called by Pan Trinbago and kept our silence. We did that deliberately. We know everyone is waiting for Despers to take front in any kind of protest. We are not taking front. If all the other bands not making noise, we not making noise.”

Breathing a sigh of relief, Pan Trinbago president Patrick Arnold said: “All the big bands are preparing to take part in Panorama and I appreciate that. The most important thing in a competition are prizes.

We need to have proper stages built and sound systems so bands could put forward what they have practised properly. We are artistes. We would like to know we are not out of pocket in transport. If the prizes structure is accepted ($1 million), it will take care of transport. Wherever we go, the bands must be able to put there best foot forward.”
©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited

The link to the article is here, but what I have realised with the Guardian is that they link remains the same but they change the stories daily so sometimes I link to the rest of the article and the next day it is gone! The only way to get the correct article for the date is to go back in the archives.