By Jeressa Jeremy
A collective of 13 pan arrangers and teachers has announced a withdrawal from the 2026 Schools’ Panorama competition, citing chronic payment delays and administrative failures by the Festivals Commission. The group has issued a “no pay, no play” ultimatum, setting a deadline of March 2026 for the full settlement of all outstanding stipends for labor and services.
The decision to boycott the national event follows reports of significant financial irregularities, including the issuance of unfunded checks. The group maintains that they can no longer provide their services under the current administrative conditions.
Financial Irregularities and Transparency: The issue was brought to light by Darell Jarvis, the current steelband arranger for the Original Steel Orchestra and a teacher and arranger for Bendals Primary School. Jarvis detailed a specific breakdown in the Festival Commission’s payment process, alleging that after being instructed to collect checks from the office, many stakeholders discovered the accounts lacked sufficient funds.
“My issue is the lack of transparency,” Jarvis stated, noting that only a small number of individuals managed to successfully process their payments. “They said to come and collect checks, but then you find out there is no money in the account.”
Jarvis emphasized that the repeated issuance of “bounced” checks has eroded the trust necessary for professional cooperation between the government and local artisans.
Personal Impact on Educators: The delay in payments has created a documented financial burden for the educators responsible for school programs. Kareem King, the steelband arranger and music teacher at Princess Margaret School, highlighted that instructors often work over 18 additional hours per week during the Panorama season. In many instances, teachers reported using personal funds to cover students’ transportation and refreshments while their own stipends remained unpaid for months.
King criticized the disparity in treatment between local service providers and international performers. “Why are you telling us to come to the office to collect checks and know that there is no money there to pay people?” King asked, characterizing the administrative handling of the situation as a sign of disrespect toward local cultural workers.
Terms of the Ultimatum: The 13 aggrieved stakeholders have maintained a unified position regarding the upcoming competition. Lorenzo Hodge, the steelband arranger for Halcyon Steel Orchestra and arranger for St Anthony’s Secondary School, confirmed that the group will not provide services for the 2026 Schools’ Panorama unless all debts are cleared upfront.
Hodge emphasized the finality of the group’s stance, noting that the time for negotiation without compensation has passed. “Those 13 persons have agreed that unless it is paid beforehand, there will be no participation from them. The disrespect is no more,” Hodge stated.
Hodge further clarified that the group represents the primary labor force required to execute the festival. By setting the March 2026 deadline, the stakeholders aim to ensure that their participation is no longer subsidized by personal debt. As of the time of publication, the Festivals Commission has not issued a formal statement regarding the group’s demands or a schedule for payment.