TOBAGO ARRANGER Kersh Ramsey is “living his dream” after T&TEC New East Side Dimension defended its crown in the National Panorama small conventional bands competition at Skinner Park, San Fernando, on January 25.
Sticking with the musical magic of Kitchener, the Tobago band produced an engaging performance of the 1973 hit Rain-O-Rama, which earned it 279 points.
Golden Hands, based in San Fernando, tied for first with Lord Nelson’s classic Mih Lover.
In an interview with Newsday on January 27, Ramsey said, “It is an unexplainable feeling. From where I started with the band to where the band is right now, words cannot explain the feeling. But I’m thankful and grateful.”
[caption id="attachment_1135454" align="alignnone" width="1024"] WINNING PERFORMANCE: T&TEC New East Side Dimension during the winning performance over the weekend in the Panorama Small Band finals at Skinner Park, San Fernando. - Photo by Jeff K. Mayers[/caption]
Ramsey, 30, took over as arranger with the Belle Garden band in 2019 and the impact was evident.
“The band wasn’t doing too well in the competition for Panorama before I got the call. Yeah, they were making finals, but they weren’t at the top.
“My first year as a young arranger, I had no clue what I was going to do. I just said yes to the job. I had to carry players, pans, almost everything.”
The band placed second in his first year in charge and never finished lower than third. The breakthrough came in 2024 when it was crowned champions with Kitchener’s Toco Band.
Ramsey said it was a bit challenging to decide on a tune for 2025.
“I had, like, four options. Rain-O-Rama was a song I always hold dear to my heart. I love a Kitchener, eh – can’t go wrong with a Lord Kitchener song.
“For the launch of Panorama I heard Renegades play it and I saw the crowd reaction and I say, ‘That’s it.’”
He said there were some ups and downs in the season and noted Tobago bands always have it tougher owing to travelling between the islands to compete in the semifinals and finals.
He thanked Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, Belle Garden electoral representative Dr Faith BYisrael and the rest of the THA for their support.
He was also full of praise for the band’s title sponsor, T&TEC.
“Right now I am living my dream. Since I’m small I wanted to be a musician. I always wanted to be a pan arranger. Back in Katzenjammers as a youth, seeing Len 'Boogsie' Sharpe passing through, BJ Marcelle; from Tobago, seeing Duvone (Stewart) as one of my mentors operate, seeing his success, I always wanted to be that person, in my own way.”
[caption id="attachment_1135368" align="alignnone" width="1024"] T&TEC New East Side Dimension players celebrate at the Port of Scarborough on January 26. - Photo by Visual Styles[/caption]
What’s next for Ramsey?
“I am a talented person. I want to try something new. I tell my players I am going to sing a soca next.
“They always doubt me and say I should stick to pan.
“I tell them, 'Allyuh is my motivation; all this doubt is my motivat
