YPM hosts successful 2014 Panorama Launch

Steel pan will be making its presence felt to the fullest for Vincy Mas this year.{{more}}

This as the Youlou Pan Movement (YPM) hosted its 2014 Panorama Launch last Sunday, May 25 at the Heritage Square. Addresses were made by Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture Cecil Mc Kie, CEO of the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) Ashford Wood, and president of the YPM Oneka Morgan.

McKie commended the YPM for organizing the pan launch and said they are moving in the right direction in contributing towards the national festival. He said the panorama launch is a good opportunity for steel bands to gain exposure, while allowing the orchestras to build a band following, which will be very important going forward. McKie further noted that the Government has established a policy for steel orchestras to be the central pinnacle in the development of the cultural art form for the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Meanwhile, YPM president Oneka Morgan declared that “this year will be one of the best years ever for pan in St Vincent and the Grenadines.” Morgan said the tension among bands is roaring, as the countdown is made to Panorama 2014. She added that the YPM expects keener competition and better quality presentations from the competing steel bands this year. She disclosed that eight steel orchestras are expected to participate in the 2014 Senior Panorama competition, which is a part of the Steel and Glitter show slated for July 3rd.

CEO of the CDC Ashford Wood encouraged steel orchestras to garner support for themselves, which will aid in the development of steel pan in St Vincent and the Grenadines. “We need to have more persons following the ‘pan sides’. Let us just imagine if we can have 300 persons following each ‘pan side’ to the panorama competition, that’s a total of 2,400 persons in Victoria Park.” Wood challenged the local pan fraternity to put in the work now to get persons to follow steel orchestras, which would ensure a following even after the Panorama competition.

This year’s panorama launch saw performances from six steel bands: Scotia Bank South East Steel Orchestra, Elite Steel Orchestra, Potential Steel Orchestra, Vita Malt Symphonix Steel Orchestra, Sea Operations Starlift Steel Orchestra and defending champions, the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra.

An added aspect of the launch for this year was the inaugural Scotia Bank Junior Steelpan Solo Competition. Kasique Oliver of the Potential Steel Orchestra won over his two competitors, beating Arike Browne of the Vita Malt Symphonix Steel Orchestra into 2nd place, while Shaquani Antoine of the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra came 3rd.