At the 77th General Assembly sitting of the United Nations, the goodly folks declared that August 11 would now be called World Steelpan Day.

Now this news is indeed something for all of us to feel proud about. Our steelpan is played all over the world and there is no doubt that we should be filled with national pride after learning of the declaration.

However, has pan been officially declared our national instrument? Uh no, not yet, after all these years. The lone instrument that was created in the 20th century has been receiving worldwide recognition but we are yet to declare it our national instrument. Can we the citizens be told what is the wait?

The world sees the importance of the steelpan but we don’t – the irony. Worse yet, apparently certain sectors of our population do not want the pan taught in schools. We real jokey in this country, yes. Blessed? Yes, but sad too.

The UN could declare a day to celebrate it but we have not declared it our national instrument – sigh.

How embarrassing!

J ALI

Port of Spain