The steelpan is being promoted not only as Trinidad and Tobago’s national musical instrument, but as a vehicle for youth development and growth in the cultural industry. As the country marked World Steelpan Day yesterday, the Ministry of Culture and Community Development said young pannists could become the next generation of composers, arrangers, educators, manufacturers and cultural representatives. The Government, through the ministry and other agencies, intends to support the steelpan fraternity while promoting the instrument and its associated industry towards sustainable growth. Steelpan was developed in Trinidad and Tobago from discarded metal and has grown into an instrument used and studied around the world. PM: Steelpan is a symbol of T&T’s creativityPrime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar also marked World Steelpan Day, describing the instrument as a symbol of the country’s creativity, resilience and innovation.