SEVERAL days ago, the Black Magenta on Camp Street was filled to capacity (and beyond) as this year’s “Pan Jam” event was staged. It was a night celebrating many of the people committed to developing the local arts scene while showcasing a lot of Guyana’s musical talent. In a nutshell, I loved every bit of it.

The man behind the event is Reon Miller, a lawyer. He started these events off, smartly capitalising on his musical talent to help fund his law school tuition. The event has grown from strength to strength ever since and has even enjoyed some grant-funding to expand. And I think the event offers a glimpse at what good things can come out of supporting bonafide efforts at building the local arts community and providing more entertainment options to people.

At the event, Miller said he wanted to demonstrate that steelpan music can be just as entertaining as any other; he also wanted to encourage people to support steelpan players (and prospective players) more. These are noble objectives and I think they are being realised, a position I think is evidenced by the overwhelming support shown for this activity.

There are other things to think about too. Expectedly, the recent event reminded me of Trinidad and Tobago, but not just because the Twin Island is the birthplace of steelpan music.

One of the things that I like about Trinidad is that there always seemed to be a space for musicians, artists and other creatives to share their art and talents in the way Pan Jam does. And that’s not by accident.

A 2018 feature published by Reuters highlighted that advocates of the arts, creative entrepreneurs and even government officials have been keen on stimulating a year-round focus on the arts (instead of primarily at carnival time) to possibly build an “economic alternative for a country otherwise dependent on oil and natural gas.”

From what I experienced, they haven’t done a bad job at it. They could host any panorama or parang event at any time of the year, and I will readily attend. There are frequent plays and shows, which shouldn’t be a surprise, given how the country’s arts sector has developed over the years. Those events provide entertainment and help build a community for the creatives involved, where they can support each other and develop their talents together. Let’s not overlook the fact that well-supported events also mean that the persons themselves are well-supported, in cash and kind. I loved seeing it. And I love seeing Pan Jam and other events celebrated and supported in the ways they are.

Another reason why I appreciate Pan Jam and events like Pan Jam is because it provides us all with one more leisurely thing to do. This is important, at least to me, because I frequently feel as though I am starved of leisurely activities (especially in Georgetown).

Truthfully, it sometimes feels as though my options for entertainment are limited to watching a movie or trying out a new eatery/ bar. It is not very often that work/ school schedules align for my friends and me to go picnicking in the National Park. So on my days off from work and volunteering, when good movies aren’t showing at the theatres, I find myself on a boat, travelling to the Essequibo Coast.

Yes, travelling around Guyana is nice, and I will be the first to recommend it to anyone but sometimes, I wish I could happily spend my leisure time doing other cool things in Georgetown too.

I can’t overstate just how I am happy that we have Pan Jam and other growing local spaces for creative expression. As mentioned in a previous column, I think the time is ripe for us to capitalise on the momentum and meaningfully support those in the creative sector instead of treating them as mere afterthoughts or a simple addition to otherwise bland events. We have lots of talent here, and once we keep supporting the talent and nurturing it adequately, we will all be better off.

If you would like to discuss this column or any of my previous writings, please feel free to contact me via email: vish14ragobeer@gmail.com