A new set of steel pans valued at more than $90,000.00, will Be handed over tomorrow to Epic Sounds of Calliaqua, the latest Pan Side to be established here.
The Steel Pans will be presented to the group by the Pan Against Crime Committee, at a Concert, to be staged at the Calliaqua Hard Court, from 6:30 p.m.
Music will be provided by the Symphonix and Epic Sounds Steel Orchestras, and the Police Band, and there will also be cultural performances by students of the Calliaqua and Fair Hall Gov’t Schools and Police Youth Clubs in the area.
The event will hear remarks from Lateisha Sandy, Chairperson of the National Commission on Crime Prevention, (NCCP) and Police Commissioner Colin John. The feature address will be delivered by Parliamentary Representative for the Area, Camillo Gonsalves.
It is expected that through this initiative, several youths, especially those attending Primary Schools in the Calliaqua District, will be trained in the art of playing the steel pan. Members of the Police Band and Epic Sounds will oversee the training.
The Pan Against Crime Programme was officially launched in February, 2008, through the initiative of Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.
The Programme has since contributed significantly to the increase in the number of steel bands and players, in particular youths, throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The main aim is to engage youths in a positive way, using the pan to assist them in acquiring musical skills and avoid getting involved in violent and delinquent behaviour.
