The 2009-2010 "Draft Estimates of Expenditure" laid in Parliament as part of the budget documents shows an allocation of $5 million for the Divine Echoes Orchestra, which Prime Minister Patrick Manning launched in October 2007.This funding and other expenditure on Manning's "private band" band has so far cost the Trinidad and Tobago taxpayers in excess of $10 million, including about $1 million for musical instruments bought in Miami.
When Manning created the band he was clear that it would not be a government band and that while it would initially get state funds, the orchestra would be "weaned" off State money.
The Divine Echoes band performed at a free concert in Manning's constituency last Saturday night, attended by Manning and his wife Hazel, San Fernando West MP Junia Regrello and Culture Minister Marlene McDonald. It was the second free concert in San Fernando East in two weeks.
The 28-member band includes trombonists, guitarists, drummers, saxophonist, vocalists and pianists. Members practise at a rented building at Charlieville, Chaguanas.
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