Some Carnival stakeholders have gone into full gear preparing for A Taste of Carnival following the Government's announcement of some Carnival activities. But for some, the go-ahead came too late for them to get "in their section."

However, some panyards are coming alive with activity as steelbands practise in hope of getting their taste of Carnival at the major pan events scheduled for February 19 and 26.

The auditions for small and single pan bands begin February 11 in the Southern Region while auditions for the Eastern Region begin February 12. On February13 it will be the Northern Region's turn.

[caption id="attachment_939086" align="alignnone" width="1021"] Arima Angel Harps Steel Orchestra player Jhovan Samuel plays the G Cello pan at the band's Olton Road panyard on February 2. - Angelo Marcelle[/caption]

Newsday visited most of the panyards in Arima in the Eastern Region of Pan Trinbago from February 2-3 and got mixed reviews from pannists on the planned pan events as well as the delay in holding elections for a new executive for Pan Trinbago, the governing pan body.

At National Panorama 2020 Single-Pan champions Marsicans Steel Orchestra's panyard, Mausica Street, Arima, the band was in full rehearsal mode under the guidance of arranger Marlon White. At the time, players were practising Lord Kitchener's Pan in A Minor in preparation for possible selection to participate in the Taste of Carnival event on February 19 titled Pan in De Sancoche for single pan and small conventional bands.

[caption id="attachment_939085" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Members of Pan Elites Steel Orchestra, practise at the Arima Angel Harps Steel Orcherstra panyard, Olton Road, on February 2. They will be participating the The Taste of Carnival, in the Single Pan category. - Angelo Marcelle[/caption]

One executive member said, "We registered to play. Registration ended today (February 2) but there are mixed emotions among the players about whether we should participate or not. However, playing pan is healthy. The pandemic has the world turned upside down and Pan Trinbago is disorganised. The usual thing with them...."

When asked whether the band wanted to comment on the pending election of officers for the pan body, the member said, "Of course, I want to comment. What's the reason for not having the election? We can have pan playing for Carnival. That would be gathering right? The Government had two major elections during the pandemic, right? There was THA (Tobago House of Assembly) election. PanTrinbago has no reason not to hold the election or keep the convention."

Similar sentiments were expressed by treasurer for Melodians Steel Orchestra Henry Bernard. On the pending election he said, "The election is supposed to have happened already. Everyone needs an opportunity to perform. If you're not performing then we move you. What I would like to say about this president, (Beverley Ramsey-Moore) is that you can talk to her. If you're doing a good job you'll be rewarded. The time to prepare is too short and man