Ministers visit Bertie Marshall, promise pan icon would get state's help

Story and photos by MARCIA BRAVEBOY

Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Winston “Gypsy” Peters on Wednesday visited steel-pan innovator/tuner Bertram “Bertie” Marshall at his Harpe Place residence in East Port of Spain.

Peters was accompanied by Minister of the People and Social Development Dr. Glenn Ramadharsingh and Minister in the Ministry of the People and Social Development, Dr. Lincoln Douglas.

The visit was in response to concerns over the legendary pan innovator’s need for proper social assistance, including accommodation stabilisation through the Housing Development Corporation, health care, pension and NIS benefits.

Marshall is best known for his introduction of the double tenor pan and soprano pan. In 1992, Marshall was honoured with the Chaconia Gold for his contributions in the field of the steelpan. The holder of many awards locally and internationally, Marshall was most recently bestowed with Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in 2008.

Ministers Peters, Ramadharsingh and Douglas gave assurances that Marshall would not lose his home and that further assistance will be extended to aid his day-to-day needs.

Marshall was joined by his adopted son Courtney Goodridge and President of the Steel Pan Tuners Guild (SPTG), Fitzroy Henry.