Grand Roy “Pan Angels”, of St. John, have resumed their weekly sessions, which had been brought to a temporary halt by COVID -19.

In spite of the forced inactivity of the group, work on upgrading the Resource Centre continued, resulting in a significant level of upgrading in the last twelve to eighteen months, much of which has been made possible by donations from the local business community.

This allows for the current group of six to eleven year olds to return to a centre where, alongside learning the art of playing pan, they have a library and the opportunity to learn computer literacy, whilst receiving support and counselling for some of their everyday challenges. 

President of Grand Roy “Pan  Angels”, Mrs Sandra Coombs-Patterson, noted that many of the children had needs beyond their passion for pan. “A number of these children do not have access to computers, which are now a fundamental need, in terms of receiving an education. The three desktop computers, and the funds donated by CIBC FirstCaribbean bank will prove invaluable. We will definitely make sure that older students having to prepare their SBA’s and related research, will also be allowed access to them. The computers are going to be put to very good use!” she concluded.  

The donation from CIBC FirstCaribbean had been on hold, whilst the Resource Centre was being suitably upgraded for safe use.

“We are delighted and pleased that our wait for the Centre to be ready for use has ended. The bank has a proud history of supporting young persons and their education. Steel pan is an integral part of the Caribbean legacy. However, the education of our children in both secular and cultural aspects, makes this a doubly gratifying venture for the bank’s involvement,” Country Manager, Andre Cadogan said.

The Resource Centre, home of the Grand Roy “Pan Angels”, looks forward to offering opportunities to a much larger portion of the community, by encouraging adults to join and learn new, practical and potentially employment-enabling skills.   Fund raising to achieve the success of the “Pan Angels” and the future plans for the Resource Centre remain an ongoing activity. Interest from the Grenadian diaspora has already resulted in the shipment of additional steel pans and Djembe Drums for the group’s use.