Dy PM Hilaire congratulates Courts Babonneau Steel Orchestra to received Panorama Competition

Castries, Saint Lucia: As the Lucian Carnival is going on, Deputy Prime Minister- Dr Ernest Hilaire extended warm greetings to the Courts Babonneau Steel Orchestra, who won the 2022 Panorama Competition.

Hilaire peened down his expression on social media and stated that it was amazing to be part of the competition after two years of hiatus. 

He noted, “Help me congratulate the Courts Babonneau Steel Orchestra, who won the 2022 Panorama Competition. Last night, the SAB was filled with the sweet sound of pan music from five different bands who took part in this year’s competition after a two-year hiatus.” 

Further, Dr Hilaire applauded performers and five different bands and added that MC Scady highlighted the point of the increased participation of young people in Panorama throughout the years. He shared his sentiments that the arts and culture in Saint Lucia will never die.

In the 2022 Panorama Champions, the trophy was held by Courts Babonneau Steel Orchestra, 2nd place LUCELEC Pantime Steel Orchestra and 3rd place, Pantastic Muzik Steel Orchestra. The government of Saint Lucia extended wishes to all the steel orchestras who participated and gave a brilliant delivery.

The Canbeats/SM Steel Orchestra, products of the CDF Steel Pan, also were performers. 

In the summer of 2017, the CDF hosted its inaugural Steel Pan Theory & Practical Programme in Soufriere, engaging youth from the community of Soufriere and Canaries.

 The participants displayed a passion and keen interest in the art form at the end of the programme and expressed their willingness to continue. 

With joint effort from the CDF and the Soufriere Regional Development Foundation (SRDF), the programme continued welcoming new players from both communities.

 In February 2018, the group sponsored by Sunfresh Ltd (H20), debuted at the Les Sesence Soufriere, an event that took place every last Saturday of the month. The group was then named SoufCan Steel Orchestra and was managed by now deceased Mrs Simone Mondesir and Johnson Simon. 

The newly branded steel orchestra performed at several public events and shows. In 2018, they performed for the first time at Panorama earning fourth place. The group also competed in Panorama 2019.

In 2019, ‘Canbeats’ was formed in the community of Canaries under the tutelage of Lance Shepherd. The group has collaborated with several community and sports groups including the Sacred Sports Foundation Inc and the Ministry of Youth & Sports to successfully host steel pan workshops in the community.

Last evening, the audience witnessed an amalgamation of players from Soufriere and Canaries, under the Canbeats/SM Steel Orchestra banner.

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