The Trinidad and Tobago Government has approved $2.3 million in funding to support approximately 145 unsponsored steelbands ahead of Carnival 2026, reinforcing its commitment to the national instrument and the grassroots organisations that sustain the steelpan movement.

The decision, approved by Cabinet, was announced by Michelle Benjamin, Minister of Culture and Community Development, during a post-Cabinet media briefing on January 8. Under the initiative, each conventional steelband will receive $20,000, while single pan bands will receive $10,000. The funds are intended to assist with instrument repairs, the purchase of new pans, and transportation expenses during the Carnival season.

“These unsponsored steelbands perform duties that often go unsupported, which is why the government took this decision to continue grant assistance to these organisations,” Benjamin said. “We remain fully committed to promoting the steelpan as a cornerstone of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural identity.”

Responding to questions about whether the $20,000 allocation is sufficient given rising operational costs, including transportation to Panorama venues, appearance fees for pannists, and the purchase of racks and instruments, the minister stressed that the grant represents only one stream of support. She noted that Pan Trinbago continues to receive significant funding and confirmed she met earlier that day with its president, Beverley Moore Ramsey. Benjamin added that this form of assistance is traditional and that more steelbands are being supported this year than in previous Carnival seasons.

The announcement follows a challenging period for several bands that lost long-standing corporate sponsorships in 2025. Among those affected were Skiffle Bunch of San Fernando, Siparia Deltones, Couva Joylanders, La Brea Nightingales, and Tobago’s Steel Xplosion. In November, Heritage Petroleum Company Limited informed Skiffle Bunch that it would be ending its sponsorship, while the National Gas Company similarly withdrew support from several other bands earlier in the year.

Despite these setbacks, Moore Ramsey expressed confidence in the success of Panorama 2026. She said preparations were advancing steadily, with work progressing at Queen’s Park Savannah and competitions already under way across categories.

“Pan is life. Pan is Trinidad and Tobago, and nothing unites us as a people like sport and culture,” she said.

Government officials reiterated that the $2.3 million allocation reflects an ongoing commitment to preserving and strengthening the steelpan tradition, a powerful symbol of national pride and cultural heritage.

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