Steel Pan players being exploited by tourism operators, Pan Captain alleges 

By Val Matthias. Updated 2:32 p.m., Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

Captain of the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra, Mikaela Knight, has accused sections of the private tourism sector of exploiting steel pan musicians, arguing that performers are not being adequately compensated for their contribution to the country’s tourism product.

Speaking during an open forum at the National Performing Arts Conference at the Peace Memorial Hall on Wednesday November 4, Knight said steel bands performing for tourists on boats and yachts are unable to secure what they consider fair payment for their services.

She explained that the musicians also face the additional burden of having their instruments exposed to seawater, which can cause damage to equipment that is expensive to maintain and replace.

Knight said attempts by performers to negotiate better compensation are sometimes met with the suggestion that the steel pan could simply be removed from the tour and an alternative entertainment option used instead.

She described the situation as a form of undermining the value of local artists and called for greater protection of the creative sector.

“We cannot get the value that we put on our instruments when we go on these boats, and the seawater destroys our instruments that are very valuable,” Knight told the conference.

She added that musicians are frequently expected to perform for exposure rather than receive payment that reflects the value of their work.

Knight identified Sandals as an example of a hotel that recognises the entertainment value of steel pan and the worth of the instruments and compensates performers and bands accordingly.

Beyond the tourism industry, Knight raised concerns about what she described as insufficient recognition of steel pan within the education system.

The teacher by profession said she has made attempts to introduce steel pan into the music programme at the St Vincent Grammar School but has encountered several obstacles involving the education and cultural sectors.

She also expressed concern about what she described as a significant decline in Junior Panorama participation in schools, arguing that the Ministry of Education continues to favour traditional instruments such as recorders and pianos over steel pan.

Knight said the instrument is an important part of Vincentian culture and should receive greater recognition in schools and the wider society.

She called for greater respect for steel pan musicians and stronger protection for the performing arts, arguing that the continued undervaluation of local creatives threatens their ability to sustain their work.

Her comments came during the National Performing Arts Conference, held under the theme “Reclaiming Our Legacy.”

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About the Author: This story was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication (UWI Mona), a Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management (UWI Cave Hill), a Certificate in Digital Marketing, and has years of broadcast journalism experience rising to ranks of a programme manager. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at [email protected]