Editorial | Steelpan and the imperative of cultural preservation

On August 11, the United Nations observes World Steelpan Day, celebrating what has been widely acknowledged as the only significant instrument developed in the 20th century.

When the General Assembly passed the resolution in 2023, it recognised the steelpan’s potential for contributing to the UN’s sustainable development, cultural diversity, economic development, and international cooperation. Indeed, all of these things are true.

But this celebration of the invention of the pan is also an acknowledgement of something even greater: the creative imagination of people in young, post-slavery small-island societies that allowed them to develop a genuine Caribbean civilisation. This is reflected in a range of political, social, and intellectual achievements of individual territories, their cross-fertilisation across the region, and their impact on the global community.

Just as reggae music, which UNESCO in 2018 placed on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, has transcended Jamaica, the steelpan has long moved beyond the ownership of Trinidad and Tobago. It, like many other cultural forms, is a global asset that is part of the collective identity of the Caribbean.

It is in this context that The Gleaner joins in and encourages wider engagement in the observance of the ideals of the celebration beyond the day itself. While steelpan orchestras exist in Jamaica, and the music they produce is enjoyed, access to the instrument is not widespread on the island.

GO BEYOND THE STEELPAN

Yet, there are possibilities for Jamaica to extract greater social and cultural value from the pan. But the conversation must go beyond the steelpan.

UNESCO estimates that Jamaica’s cultural and creative industries contribute about 5.2 per cent of GDP and 3 per cent of employment, making them an important pillar of sustainable development.

Globally, UNESCO estimates that the cultural and creative industries generate annual revenues exceeding US$2 trillion and support almost 50 million jobs, nearly half of them held by women. They account for around 3.1 per cent of global GDP and 6.2 per cent of global employment. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking at the opening of the 10th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in 2024, highlighted that “in every corner of the world, we see the social fabric under serious strain” and stressed that cultural diversity is a “richness and our greatest strength, not a threat”.

The steelpan could be a medium for regional synergy and the promotion of regional identity. Jamaica, as part of a wider CARICOM initiative, should consider:

– Making steelpan instruction available in more primary and secondary schools;

– Establishing a national steelpan development fund to support instrument manufacture, tuning, research, and exports;

– Increasing grants for community steel orchestras and youth music programmes, particularly in underserved communities;

– Digitally archiving Jamaica’s steelpan performances, oral histories, and arrangers to safeguard this cultural heritage;

– Expanding cultural exchanges between Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and other CARICOM states to strengthen regional collaboration;

– Integrating steelpan into tourism, public events, and overseas cultural diplomacy;

– Strengthening music teacher training and creating scholarships for young pan musicians.

Further, there is a need to improve national data collection on the creative industries so that cultural policy is informed by measurable economic and social outcomes.

The government must fund cultural preservation as it does infrastructure and education. Universities must embed Caribbean traditions in curricula. Communities must innovate without losing authenticity. And the private sector must recognise culture as both a social responsibility and an economic asset.

ENABLER OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Culture fosters social cohesion, mental health, gender equality, and creative economies. While culture is not identified as a standalone Sustainable Development Goal, the United Nations has consistently recognised it as an enabler of sustainable development. Cultural industries contribute to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by expanding arts education; SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by creating employment and supporting creative enterprises; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through the protection of cultural heritage; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by encouraging international cultural cooperation.

For the Caribbean, this opportunity is significant. The steelpan has become part of that creative economy, supporting performers, tuners, music educators, instrument manufacturers, and event organisers.

The steelpan itself is evidence of that evolution. An instrument created from discarded industrial materials has become a symbol of Caribbean ingenuity, proving that innovation often emerges from the most modest beginnings.

Culture is the rhythm of identity, the architecture of resilience, and the foundation of sustainable development. Jamaica and the Caribbean must act accordingly.