The establishment of a pan academy in the name of the late Victor “Babu” Samuel was recommended to the Government by Dr. Baldwin Spencer, today, August 8, as he eulogized his late friend and the renowned pan player during an official funeral service at the Antigua Recreation Ground.
Samuel was considered one of Antigua and Barbuda’s top arrangers and pannists, having led the Halcyon Steel Orchestra to eight of their 14 Panorama championships and winning the title for four consecutive years.
Additionally, as arranger, Babu laid claim to three of the band’s five Moods of Pan titles.
The steel orchestra has not had a permanent home since its Knuckle Block pan yard was demolished, and Dr. Spencer’s call for a new location to be named in Samuel’s honour was met with applause.
Samuel was the founder of the Westside Symphony, a member of the South Stars Steel and, as a youth, was a member of the Antigua Grammar School’s Supa Stars Steel Orchestra.
He also arranged and conducted pan music at the Ottos Comprehensive School and the St. Joseph’s Academy.
Spencer, who was Samuel’s best man at his wedding 10 years ago, says his commitment to the art form was tremendous; not only in Antigua and Barbuda but regionally, including in Trinidad and Tobago.
During a ceremony dubbed “The Man and His Pan,” a number of people paid tribute to the late icon in song, on the pan, and in poetry.
They included well-known singer Rudolph Davis, Dr. Len Boogsie Sharpe from Trinidad & Tobago, and the renowned local pannist Aubrey “Lacu” Samuel, as well as the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda’s band.
Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams and Acting Prime Minister Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin delivered the first and second scripture readings, respectively.
Samuel, who had been ailing for some time, passed away on Tuesday, June 28.
He had suffered a stroke two years ago, and this took a toll on his ability to play pan. However, in March, he received an award for introducing pan to the Police Marching Band.- REAL NEWS
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Why didn’t JOHN ASHE bosom buddy do this while he was at the helm?? He can hold press conference for “NEW” engines, but none to announce this academy??? Homeboy losing his marbles for real.
Monies squandered on the UPP CAN’T PARK AT EAST BUS STATION could’ve been used to establish this initiative.
Mr. Spencer, I do agree. Yes, establish such an Academy. Just, come up with the concept, design and solicit funding, then build it FREE and CLEAR of political influences(highly unlikely). You can give credit to the UPP.
Jumbee_Picknee
Mr. Spencer thank you for ENDORSING THE UWI FIVE ISLANDS CAMPUS INSTITUTED BY THE ANTIGUA BARBUDA LABOUR PARTY GOVERNMENT.
Mr. Baldwin Spencer, perhaps you can go the UWI Five Island and negotiate with them to start a faculty of pan music. That way you will still have a legacy to talk about in this country. Cause a Pan Academy will not work. You have to do your homework. What also could work is a Pan Hall of Fame. That can attract tourists and educate them about the pan instrument over the years and the many great pannists, not only in Antigua and Barbuda, but the entire Caribbean. Antigua can become the Home of Pan. The Babu Samuel Pan Hall of Fame. Ask the Chinese to donate the building next to the Multi-Purpose grounds should be an ideal location.
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