HALCYON EXPLAINS PANORAMA ABSENCE

Pan maestro Victor ‘Babu” Samuel has explained the reason why former Panorama Champions, the Halcyon Steel Orchestra, was unable to compete this year.
He says they simply could not afford it.
Samuel explained that it would have cost the band some $75,000 to make it on the Carnival City Stage for this year’s competition. We had the chance to catch up with him during Carnival’s Parade of Troupes and Groups on Tuesday.

Halcyon and this year’s champions, Hellsgate, have been rivals. They hail from the two gritty communities.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who represents the community from where Hells Gate hails, is a staunch supporter of Hellsgate. He says Halcyon was running scared and could have secured sponsorship.

Samuel however is hoping that his appeal reaches the air of the corporate community and pan enthusiasts are hopeful that the fierce competition between Hellsgate and Halcyon can be restored at the 2020 Panorama.