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Hells Gate Steel Orchestra
Members of the Antigua Steelband & Pan Players Association have voiced significant concerns regarding the performance and adherence to constitutional mandates by the Central Executive. In an official letter addressed to the Association’s President, Patrick Johnson, a coalition of members outlined a series of grievances that have persisted over the past several years.
One of the primary issues highlighted is the Central Executive’s failure to uphold the Association’s Constitution, specifically regarding its stated Aims and Objectives. Members assert that the Executive has shown a lack of commitment toward promoting the cultural and business aspects of the steelband movement, as well as failing to manage concerts and festivals that are crucial to the community.
Additionally, the letter cites breaches of Rule 8, which mandates annual audits of the Association’s finances. According to the members, there has been no transparency regarding financial accounts since the last elections were held in May 2019, which contravenes Rule 4 regarding elections. The absence of elections has left the Central Executive in place for an extended period, leading to demands for a prompt electoral process to ensure fresh leadership.
The call for action emphasizes the importance of complying with these constitutional rules to maintain the Association’s legitimacy. The members have requested that a date be set for elections to be held before the end of April 2025, urging the Central Executive to take immediate steps towards this goal.
Moreover, there are serious concerns regarding the Executive’s failure to progress the filing for Friendly Society Registration over the past two years. This delay has raised questions about the legitimacy of the Association, as it may no longer possess the official standing to represent its members effectively.
In a climate of growing disappointment among members, the Association faces a critical moment as it navigates internal challenges while striving to promote the rich culture of steelpan music in Antigua and beyond. As these issues come to light, the future of the Antigua Steelband & Pan Players Association may hinge on the swift resolution of these governance concerns.
Attached is a letter that was sent to the association from Hell Gate Steel Orchestra and Panache Steel Orchestra:
Oohh, and I thought everything was well with the pan players
Gentlemen, I just wanted to encourage you to get yourselves together and do whatsoever is necessary to keep the Association running as smoothly and cohesively as humanly possible.
Without putting too fine a point on it, in the world of Pan the ANTIGUA STEELBAND ASSOCIATION is an institution whose significance is of mammoth proportions. I do not know if you guys are aware that it is the OLDEST Steelband Association in the world That being so, it is something that the Antigua pan community should be very proud of and hold together.
Years ago I told that to Ronald Fooly Benjamin. He took the information and call me back a few days later telling me that he was able to verify it in the Trinidad Archives. Also, George Goddard Sr.
first president of the T&T Steelband Assoc. In his book FORTY YEARS IN STEELBAND did in fact state that our Steelband Assoc. Is one year older than Trinidads. So, we.know that this is a fact. Let’s keep it together.
Always something leading into carnival
I hope they don’t try that BS Again like they did last year.
Honestly if it’s not with the minister then it’s with themselves. Trouble designers.