PAN JAMMERS STEEL ORCHESTRA FACILITY GETS EPIC UPGRADE

TUESDAY OCTOBER 22, 2019:  PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – As the corner stone of our culture, Steel Pan is not only relevant during Carnival season.  In fact, all through the year, steel bands and pan yards are in a constant buzz, training youth, tuning pans, prepping for personal gigs and ultimately getting a head start for Panaroma.   Pan Jammers Steel Orchestra is one of the oldest bands in Trinidad and Tobago. Located in Sam Boucaud, Santa Cruz, the band was founded by Mr. Linus “Pink Eye” Ravello over forty years ago and is considered to be a community resource.

Over the years the steel orchestra has become a staple in the community and its facility the central hub for activities for religious groups, the police youth club and an early childhood care centre.  Maintaining the facility to keep up with the demands of the users has been quite a challenge. 

In July, the Pan Jammers Steel Orchestra partnered with Digicel Foundation and the Honourable Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, MP for St. Ann’s East to assist with minor refurbishments to the community space.  Through an EPIC grant, the music enthusiasts received US$2,400.00 to upgrade the kitchen and stage.

At the official opening, representative from the MP’s office, Mrs. Janice Perouse-Sullivan, shared the MP’s excitement at the project’s progress, she went on to state that “as a woman who is dedicated to the development of the group and the community the MP is ecstatic about the upgrade and the impact it will have on the entire community.”

The Pan Jammers Steel Orchestra has now renamed the hall; The Linus “Pink Eye” Ravello Hall, in honour of the contribution made by their founder.