February 8, 2017: The Honourable Anthony Garcia, Minister of Education and the Executive Team met with officials of PanTrinbago at the Ministry’s Head Office located at No. 5 St. Vincent Street, Port of Spain on Wednesday 8th February, 2017.
Richard Forteau, Acting President and Secretary and Rudo Forteau, Youth Chairman both of PanTrinbago attended the meeting in which they discussed ways in which the Ministry could further support the National Schools Junior Panorama 2017.
Minister Garcia gave the assurance that the competition has the full support of the Ministry, and he acknowledged the significance of the pan instrument as a national emblem that must be preserved, and said he foresees the importance of pan in schools.
He said, “It is our national instrument and we have to do everything to ensure we sustain this important icon of ours. We have a rich history surrounding the birth of this instrument for which every citizen, young and old, must be proud. And we must ensure that the repute of the instrument and its connection to Trinidad and Tobago is not lost or taken from us.”
Minister Garcia said he is committed to keeping the lines of communication open between the Ministry and the pan organisation, and assured that another meeting is planned to discuss the pan movement, how it affects the school system and strategies for safeguarding the future of the national instrument.
PanTrinbago Acting President and Secretary, Richard Forteau said, “We are prepared to meet and keep the lines of communication open and we are hoping that in the end, pan will benefit us and we will be so much richer as a nation.”
Minister Garcia reiterated his commitment to the teaching and development of the National Instrument among students, as a tool to maintain discipline in schools by keeping them busy, focused and off the streets.
The preliminaries are currently being held in schools while the Grand Final of the competition is scheduled for Sunday 19th February, 2017 at the Queen’s Park Savannah at 9 am.
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For further information please contact:
The Corporate Communications Unit
Ministry of Education