Digicel Foundation Expands Technology in Education Programme to Ten More Panyards
The Desperadoes Panyard came alive today as the Digicel Foundation in collaboration with Pan Trinbago hosted its Technology in Education (TIE) Programme, an initiative designed to equip Panyards with digital tools that support music literacy and technological advancement. This year, ten additional Steelbands from across Trinidad and Tobago were selected to benefit from the programme, bringing the total number of upgraded Panyards to nineteen.
In attendance were Member of Parliament for Port of Spain South and Minister in the Ministry of National Security, the Honourable Keith Scotland,SC Kareem Marcelle, Alderman, Port of Spain, Ms. Penny Gomez, CEO Digicel Foundation, and Steelband leaders, all celebrating the fusion of tradition and technology. Mr. Terry Bernard, Vice President of Pan Trinbago, delivered greetings on behalf of Pan Trinbago’s President, Beverley Ramsey-Moore, highlighting the initiative’s importance in securing the future of the national musical instrument.
“The TIE Centres are not just spaces filled with computers and gadgets—they are hubs of creativity, learning, and opportunity,” Bernard stated. “This initiative ensures that the Steelpan movement remains relevant, resilient, and ready for the future, where music and digital innovation go hand in hand…Steelpan is not just an instrument—it is a movement, a symbol of resilience, and a voice for generations. When we invest in its growth, we are securing its future, empowering our youth, and ensuring that our culture continues to inspire the world.”
The ten newly selected Panyards represent Pan Trinbago’s four regions—Northern, Eastern, South/Central, and Tobago. These additions build upon the eight Panyards upgraded in 2023 and one in 2022 (Tobago Panthers), creating a nationwide network of digital learning spaces. To date, the programme has impacted approximately 700 young musicians, equipping them with the skills necessary to navigate both the musical and technological landscapes. Ten Steelbands are as follows:
1. Highlanders Steel Orchestra – Morvant, Port of Spain
2. Royal Stars Steel Orchestra – Lady Young Road, Morvant
3. Tokyo Steel Orchestra – John John, East Port of Spain
4. Sangre Grande Cordettes – Sangre Grande
5. Skiffle Steel Orchestra – San Fernando
6. Diatonics Steel Orchestra – Siparia
7. Nuttin Big Steel Orchestra – Petit Valley
8. West Stars Steel Orchestra – Diego Martin
9. Desperadoes Steel Orchestra – Port of Spain
10. RBC Redemption Sound Setters – Tobago
Pan Trinbago wishes to thank the Digicel Foundation for its continued investment in the transformative power of corporate-community partnerships. By incorporating digital literacy, technology training, and music education within Panyards, the initiative fosters greater accessibility to educational resources and future opportunities for youth in the Steelpan fraternity.
Pan Trinbago urges corporate Trinidad to fulfill their Corporate Social Responsibility by supporting Steelbands and Panyards, fostering the growth and sustainability of our national instrument.
