PAN ASSOCIATION & CULTURAL OFFICIALS DIALOGUING

St. George’s, February 5, 2010 (GIS) – Representatives of the Grenada Steelbands’ Association and the Department of Culture have agreed to continue dialoguing with the aim of resolving outstanding grievances of the Association.

Pan players recently warned that they will consider not participating in Panorama 2010 if monies owing from last year’s carnival pan competition were not forthcoming.

A payment to the Grenada Steelbands’ Association was made Friday at a meeting involving Junior Culture Minister Senator Arley Gill; Carnival Committee Chairman Colin Dowe; and Steelbands’ Association executive members Brian Sylvester, David Peck Edwards and Michael Blaize Robertson.

One steelband official described the meeting as “cordial’’ and “productive.’’  He said things are looking up, even though not yet completely resolved to the satisfaction of the Association, which is still insisting on full payment to guarantee its involvement in carnival 2010.

Senator Gill told the Government Information Service (GIS) that the Department of Culture appreciates the contribution to national culture of local panmen and women, and apologised for the late payment to the Steelbands’ Association.

He has promised that further discussions, including another meeting later this month, will be held with the Association to secure its engagement in this year’s Spice Mas’ activities.