On World Steelpan Day, August 11th, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar paid tribute to the sweet sound of Trinidad and Tobago’s steelpan, hailing it as the nation’s priceless gift to humanity.

Celebrating its humble birth in the hills of Laventille, she honoured the creativity, resilience, and spirit that forged the only acoustic instrument invented in the twentieth century. With pride, she reaffirmed her government’s commitment to nurturing and preserving the national instrument, ensuring that the rhythm of the pan continues to echo across generations and around the world.

Joining in the celebration was US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who embraced the spirit of the occasion by trying his hand at playing the steelpan, delighting those gathered.