Landmark Day for Trinidad and Tobago with Steelpan Geographical Indication

Trinidad and Tobago, on August 9, rose to a historic feat, as Minister of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts Randall Mitchell declared that the steelpan has been endowed with Geographical Indication (GI) protection.

This was described as a great victory for Trinidad and Tobago as it took the steelpan to the world map of music. The event took place at the first-ever World Steelpan Conference, held at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, and people interested in the pan from all over the world were in attendance.

Minister Mitchell said that the GI rights would be instrumental in a mission that he began in 2023, to further give face and business value to the established steelpan industry in Trinidad and Tobago.

Mitchell insisted on the GI in marketing Trinidad and Tobago as the symbol of the origin of the steelpan. Different from patents which protect inventions, Geographical Indications are defined as the certification of a product and its qualities due to its geographical origin. This differentiation not only encompasses and appreciates the historical and cultural background of Trinidad and Tobago but also guarantees that only the best and the most qualitative steelpans are produced in the region.

Although GI status was registered locally, it will be pursued in other nations in order to expand the scope of intervention. Mitchell added that Pan Trinbago President Beverley Ramsey-Moore and Secretary Denise Hernandez had expressed their interest and willingness as they agreed that the GI would be influential in protecting the authentic steelpan products and accessories in the international market.

Hernandez also pointed out that the GI would lobby international attention; hence, the steelpan industry would have further room to expand.

Minister Mitchell also pointed out the macro-economic significance of the GI for Trinidad and Tobago. He foresees if the GI could lead to the growth of the steelpan industry and maybe increase exports, earnings of foreign exchange and educational crusades.

Graduates qualifying from the University of Trinidad and Tobago who had specialized in steelpan production could now move out of Trinidad and Tobago to teach or consult in steelpan making.

In his speech, Mitchell made comparisons with other geographical indications, such as French champagne and Thai silk, emphasizing T&T’s ability to achieve the same result with appropriate stewardship of the GI.

The Minister stated that this will bring credit to the continuation of the music tradition of the country while raising the bar globally by making Trinidad and Tobago the epitome of the steelpan.