LETTER: Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority Management (ABPAM) Trespassing on Hells Gate Steel Orchestra’s (HGSO) Property

Dear Editor

It has recently been drawn to the attention of HGSO, that the ABPAM have been trespassing on the Parcel of Land where HGSO Panyard is located and where HGSO has been occupying after the passage of Hurricane Luis in 1995, with the permission of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.

The said parcel of land, Parcel # 150 located at Dredge Bay. by way of the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda Decision, dated Wednesday 3rd.

October 2002, was granted to HGSO, to establish thereon, a Steel Band Museum and School of Pan. On December 5 th, 2024, HGSO leadership was reliably informed by a member of the HGSO,
that a Backhoe Equipment was at the western side of the Panyard clearing and area, and that the Orchestra’s Road Trolley was relocated from the area where it was stored in the Panyard.

The member further informed that the Backhoe Operator advised that he was instructed by the ABPAM to clear the area.

The disrespectful, irresponsible and reckless behaviour exhibited by the ABPAM, is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

The attitude of the ABPAM whereby it failed consult with the leadership of the HGSO prior to trespassing on the Orchestra’s property and to
relocate the Orchestra’s Road Trolley, can be best described as being hubristic.

The HGSO will carry out a comprehensive inspection and assessment of the said property for any damage to property that is attributed to the ABPAM trespassing on the said property.

Additionally, legal advice will be sought in this regard.
Dredge Bay Area and HGSO have very strong historical ties. Dredge Bay Area formerly Antigua main refuse dump, was where the Steelband Pioneers from The Point would burn/temper the steelpan prior to carrying out the final tuning process.

During this time in 1946, where were the principals of the ABPAM?
If protest action is to be taken against the ABPAM’s callous and unethical behaviour, then so be it.

“Those who are contemptuous of a cultured people have no way to win people’s heart completely; those who are contemptuous of a common people have no way to get people to work as hard as they can.”
“Culture takes precedence over the military.”

We wish to express sincere thanks to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, Caribbean Union Bank, our many benefactors, our membership and their families, and the populace of Antigua and Barbuda for their continued encouragement and support.

Submitted by : Jessy James Stafford Joseph