No Way No Pan

May 9th, 2006 | by: Stacy-Marie Ishmael |

Back in March I blogged about the potential ban on steelpans in German stadia this summer. Alas, it seems that our national instrument definitely won’t be allowed in.

FIFA has confirmed the ban, and French daily Le Monde quotes the Duke of Yorke as saying, “It’s really a shame. [Riddim sections] are a big support for the Warriors – pan is a part of our culture!”

There’s also a lovely and pithy quote from a certain Vincent “Benji” Benjamin, a pannist who has attended every Warriors match. Talking about the relationship between pan and our national team, he said, “We draw inspiration from each other. When they hear our rythms, they play better!”

This ban is a real shame, but it seems that “the authorities” are most concerned about the potential of heavy steel drums to be used as weapons of musical destruction.

Besides, as Benji said, we can always beat pan outside the stadia. We going Germany to represent T&T, and represent we shall.

They may take away our instruments, but they will never take away our Warrior Spirit.

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Comments

By Trent | May 9th, 2006 at 5:38 pm

That’s a shame, Stacy-Marie.

By Nick | May 9th, 2006 at 6:27 pm

Hi Stacy- Marie

What are your expectations of T&T in this World Cup?
Do you think they will manage to get at least a point or will they just lose every game like everyone predicts?

I want your honest opinion in this! It would be great if T&T surprised everyone by beating Sweden or even England.

Posted from United Kingdom

By Cajun Nick | May 9th, 2006 at 6:44 pm

I understand the desire for safety in the grandstands; honestly, I do.

However, the World Cup is not just about football. There are other, cultural, aspects that attract the non-sports fan. Banning the pans is not going to make it safer in the stands, but it will take away some of the joy and the spirit from the ambience in the stadia.

Besides, since when have T&T fans been known to be a physical threat?

Posted from United States

By Andre Sooklal | May 9th, 2006 at 11:22 pm

Take our pan…they shall
we will just have to SCREAM ALOT LOUDER!!
WHEN WE CHEER ON!
simple as that.
LET NOTHING STOP THE SPIRIT

Posted from Trinidad And Tobago

By Soca Warriors, Saudis Getting Friendly - FIFA World Cup 2006 - World Cup 2006 Blog | May 10th, 2006 at 11:11 am

[...] It is turning out to be a good day for football addicts with decent Internet connections. First we have the UEFA Cup Final. Later on there is the Trinidad and Tobago – Peru friendly, which can also be viewed online. The T&T match should be a fun one as it serves as the final home appearance for 38-year-old Russell Latapy. You can bet the steelpans will be out in full force in the stands. Can you believe FIFA has banned steelpans at the World Cup? Another example of the football officials showing their disregard for fans. [...]

Posted from United States

By Fédon Honoré | May 28th, 2006 at 8:17 pm

I think this is a pity. While I agree that any and everybody shouldn’t be let into the stadium with potentially dangerous instruments, I do think that an authorised contingent should be accepted.
There is a petition afoot to such an effect. Please consult this link.

http://www.socawarriorssc.com/swonline/smf/index.php?topic=15916.0

Posted from France