SOUTHERN Steel Orchestra (D’South Band) of Siparia and Uptown Fascinators of Tobago were declared joint champions of the National Panorama Small Conventional Band Finals, after finishing level on points at the finals at Skinner Park, San Fernando on January 10.

From the opening round, the two bands dominated the competition, with D’South Band leading through the preliminaries and semi-finals and Uptown Fascinators close behind. When final scores were announced shortly after 2 am on January 11, both bands had equalised, prompting scenes of jubilation as players rushed the stage.

The announcement by host Jemma Jordan sparked an eruption of celebration, briefly overwhelming stage managers as Pan Trinbago president Beverly Ramsey-Moore, Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin and Parliamentary Secretary in the Culture Ministry Dr Narindra Roopnarine prepared to present the trophies.