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PAN TRINBAGO has pushed back against comments by National Gas Company (NGC) chairman Gerald Ramdeen, saying his remarks undervalue the social, cultural and economic contributions of steelbands and mischaracterise corporate sponsorship as being outside the remit of responsible state enterprise operations.

In a statement issued in response to Ramdeen’s comments, the national organisation representing steelbands said it recognises that state enterprises must operate responsibly and in the best interest of the people, but argued that cultural investment is a core element of corporate social responsibility, not an optional gesture.

Pan Trinbago expressed particular concern over NGC’s decision to withdraw sponsorship simultaneously from three steelbands and from the organisation itself, calling the move “a regrettable lack of consideration” for the steelband community and for the steelpan, the national musical instrument of Trinidad and Tobago.