HANS DES VIGNES BLASTS CULTURE AND SPORT FUNDING DELAYS: “WHAT’S THE PROBLEM? THE MINISTER”

PNM MP Hans Des Vignes delivers a wide-ranging address on culture, steelpan, sport funding and what he describes as the Government’s failure to properly support cultural practitioners, artists and athletes across Trinidad and Tobago. Des Vignes begins by paying tribute to cultural icon Paul Emmanuel Cecil “Bill” Trotman, before asking whether Trinidad and Tobago is doing enough to protect and value the people who carry the nation’s culture around the world. He highlights the importance of the steelpan as the national instrument and argues that panmen, artists and cultural organisations deserve more consistent support—not only during Carnival season. During the press conference, Des Vignes raises concerns about: • Late payments to pan players after Carnival • The treatment of members of Silver Stars Steel Orchestra • The silence of the Minister of Culture on issues affecting the steelpan community • The Emancipation Support Committee reportedly being paid late for 2025 activities • Uncertainty over funding for Emancipation 2026 • Vendors and cultural performers from Flavor Village and Best Village allegedly remaining unpaid • The absence of a Sport and Culture Fund board • Community pools that remain unrepaired • Athletes and national teams struggling for support • The need for clear payment timelines and respect for cultural practitioners Des Vignes strongly defends pan players, describing them as disciplined professional musicians, cultural ambassadors and young people who represent the very best of Trinidad and Tobago. He also questions why artists, vendors and sporting organisations are reportedly being left without proper financial support while national events are publicly celebrated. One of his sharpest lines comes during his criticism of sport funding and unrepaired pools, when he says: “What’s the problem? The minister.” Watch Hans Des Vignes’ complete address and judge his arguments for yourself. Do you believe Trinidad and Tobago is doing enough to support culture, steelpan, artists and athletes—or are the people who carry the national flag being neglected? Leave your opinion in the comments, share this video and subscribe for more political speeches, press conferences and news from Trinidad and Tobago. The statements and allegations presented in this video are those of Hans Des Vignes and should not be treated as independently established findings. #HansDesVignes #PNM #Steelpan #Culture #Sports #Carnival #Emancipation #TrinidadAndTobago #TriniPolitics