A small ’war’ is brewing for control of Pan Trinbago even before the October 25 elections to select the Central Executive.
The fight is for the post of president, which is being contested by incumbent Patrick Arnold and president of the Northern Region, Keith Diaz.
Several days ago, Pan Trinbago secretary Richard Forteau received an attorney’s letter giving an opinion of the Constitution and Bye Laws of the association. Diaz is strongly objecting to Arnold’s nomination by Mello Harps of Tobago saying that the band is not financial. He contends that the band cannot be a part of the elections of officers.
According to Diaz, this is contrary to Article 10 (Elections) (8) which states: All persons seeking elections to any office of the Association shall have their nominations supported by two members in good financial standing with the association on the prescribed form and shall submit their nominations to the secretary of the Association no later than 21 days prior to the date prescribed for the elections, October 4.
In a letter dated October 7, Pan Trinbago’s secretary, Richard Forteau, informed Diaz that as far as the association’s record shows, Mello Harps Steel Orchestra had not participated in the steelband Panorama, Steelband Festival or any other steelband competition or show for the past three years or more.
The letter also states that Mello Harps paid $325 and the band has not applied for a waiver of fees.
The contention is that Mello Harps is in breach of Article 9-1 (ii) which states: Steelbands which do not participate in Panorama and Festivals or even so, do not participate in any competitions shall pay dues as follows; ( a) Registration fee of $500
(b) Annual due of $1,000.
It is felt that Mello Harps has failed to meet the requirements to support the nomination of a candidate who is seeking election on the executive of the association.
Up to last night calls to Patrick Arnold’s two cell phones went unanswered. Jeffrey Joseph, representative for Mello Harps Steel Orchestra, could not be reached either.
