T&T’s steelpan experts partner with Guyana to enhance Panorama standards

…as Mash celebrations get underway

As the sound and science of steelpan continue to transcend borders and take centre stage in Guyana’s music industry, Musical Instruments of Trinidad and Tobago Company Limited (MITTCO) is bringing expert tutors and training programmes from the carnival capital to help strengthen performance, expand technical skills, and support music education during Guyana’s flagship Panorama steel band competition.
MITTCO has joined forces with the Culture Ministry to deliver advanced performance training, technical development, and structured music education support through a visiting team of professionals from Trinidad and Tobago.
MITTCO is a steelpan manufacturing company that promotes reliable artisan production of steelpans. Using a blend of traditional and innovative manufacturing methods, its integrated team of experienced pan tuners and music enthusiasts works closely with customers to deliver high-quality sound and dependable service to both local and international markets.

This publication caught up with Managing Director Akua Leith for a first-hand look at the team’s vision and objectives for supporting Panorama development in Guyana.
Leith said the collaboration with the Culture Ministry was designed to bring Trinidad’s Panorama expertise to Guyana, not only from a performance standpoint but also from an educational and technical perspective, covering music education, technique, and the wider steelpan landscape, with a visiting team of professionals supporting the competition.
“What we did was we collaborated with the Ministry of Culture to really bring the expertise of Trinidad when it comes to Panorama – not just from a performing perspective but also from an educational perspective. So the entire landscape – we’re talking about music education, technique, all those things. We have our team of professionals here today coming in from Trinidad to really take on the Panorama competition,” Leith said.
He explained that the collaboration is aimed at building long-term capacity in the sector. “We’re laying the foundation where tertiary education is possible, having collaboration through being invited to bands for Panorama, bringing a teachers’ training programme and workshop to Guyana, and vice versa, having them come to train us. You’re talking about training manufacturers, tuners, all these different things.”
Leith also stated that the strategy focuses heavily on educators as a pathway to improving student performance.
“What we realise is that students will do anything a tutor teaches them. We want to really target the teachers. If we could have a teacher-to-teacher programme, giving teachers the tools and specific rehearsal techniques to pass on to students, that would definitely work. Bringing the teachers up to scratch will get the students up to scratch. We believe starting with the tutors is the way to go.”
As the Panorama competitions begin, he noted that participation in Guyana continues to grow.
“We have seen over 20-plus groups per competition showing up at Panorama, and that shows growth across the country. This year, we have seen three categories competing, compared with two in previous years. Breaking up the competition into categories shows they are focusing on development more than just the competition.”
The annual Republic Bank Mashramani Panorama Steel Band Competition is one of the premier Mashramani events, featuring high-energy performances at Kingston Beach.
Leith added that the company is also prepared to support instrument expansion and structured school programmes.
“MITTCO is positioned to offer any amount of pans to Guyana. We can create ensembles and individual instruments. We’re not just selling pans – we’re bringing the support systems to get students and schools ready for concerts, competitions, and music education. What we recommend is a balanced ensemble, which creates peer learning and built-in student support.”
He said steelpan development also brings wider social benefits. “Pan is not just music. It helps with teamwork, communication, leadership, and creative development. We want to see Guyana flourish in its own culture and space.”