Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore said Saturday’s small-band conventional semifinals was one of the largest the organisation had seen in recent years.
Ramsey-Moore said apart from all 400 printed tickets being sold, there were large crowds gathered on the street along the way to Victoria Square, Port of Spain, where the event was held.
The Ramsey-Moore administration has been focused on community-building, and, to its president, this was an acknowledgement that the work was bearing fruit.
The unofficial results were announced on January 18, shortly after the event. The Tobago band T&TEC New East Side Dimension, the defending champions, once again topped the semifinal round, playing the late Kitchener’s 1973 Road March, Rainorama. On its Facebook page, the band thanked everyone for their support.
Arranger Kersh Ramsey led the Belle Garden band to the 2024 title and is back at the helm again.
THA Deputy Chief Secretary and electoral representative for Belle Garden/Glamorgan Faith Brebnor shared her excitement on Facebook as she posted a video of the band's performance.
[caption id="attachment_1133703" align="alignnone" width="1024"] A West Stars Steel Orchestra scratcher plays in the small-band semis at Victoria Square, Port of Spain. - Photo by Angelo Marcelle[/caption]
She said, "Everything was great (for the other bands), until the RAINS came! Here is T&TEC New East Side Dimension Steel Orchestra 2025 semifinals performance…gaining them 275 points!"
She said she is looking forward to seeing Ramsey in the finals in Skinner Park, San Fernando. She also included the hashtags: #RainORama #YoungArranger #GreatBand
Ramsey-Moore said, “The turnout was huge. There were over 100 vendors on the streets. Walking through and seeing the thousands of people, it was just one happy feeling for me yesterday. I am so proud.”
She said the real energy was on the streets.
“The way the thousands lined the streets: the young, the seniors. It was just a moment where you felt the energy of a positive and great Trinidad and Tobago.”
People pushed racks and supported their chosen bands on Saturday, she said.
“The way how people co-mingled one with the other; they brought their chairs and sat at the roadside, just enjoying family and community life.
“I think this was one of the biggest street parties we have had at Victoria Square. I conclude that, for a matter of fact.”
Ramsey-Moore said the momentum and interest in pan had been building from the panyard judging, and the swelling interest had been observed from even the single-pan competition. She expects that momentum to continue at all the organisation’s events.
[caption id="attachment_1133702" align="alignnone" width="906"] Arima Golden Symphony bassmen enjoy their music at the Pan Trinbago small-band semifinals at Victoria Square, Port of Spain on January 18. - Photo by Angelo Marcelle[/caption]
“I said it to my colleagues at a National Carnival Commission (NCC) board meeting, it seems as though the Savannah (Queen’s Park Savannah)
