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Trinidadian steel pan business honoured at Paris ISLQ awards
http://www.trinijunglejuice.com/tjjnews/articles/3377/1/Trinidadian-steel-pan-business-honoured-at-Paris-ISLQ-awards/Page1.html
By TJJ Admin
Published on 08-Jul-13
 
The national instrument was once again highlighted on the world stage when Trinidad and Tobago-based Gill’s Pan Shop was awarded in the Gold Category at the 2013 International Star for Leadership in Quality (ISLQ) Awards. The ceremony took place at the Paris Palais des Congrés Convention Hall on ...



The national instrument was once again highlighted on the world stage when Trinidad and Tobago-based Gill’s Pan Shop was awarded in the Gold Category at the 2013 International Star for Leadership in Quality (ISLQ) Awards. The ceremony took place at the Paris Palais des Congrés Convention Hall on July 1st, 2013.

Companies from 54 countries were honoured for their achievements in maintaining a high standard of quality in business operations. Jose E. Prieto, President and CEO of Business Initiative Directions, presided over the ceremony, which was attended by outstanding personalities from the business world and diplomatic corps.

Gill’s Pan Shop manufactures the steel pan, producing the “Gill’s Pan” brand which ships to over 40 countries in 4 continents. Their hand crafted instruments have been gifted to various world leaders, including US President Barack Obama and the Royal family in the United Kingdom.

Receiving the award were Mr Mazzini Gill, Director of Operations and Mr Bevan Garcia, Director of International Business. Gill resides in Curepe, Trinidad while Garcia is a well-known member of the Trinbagonian Diaspora in England. As the organiser of the hugely popular exposé of Trinidad and Tobago’s culture at the annual Ip-Art Festival in Ipswich, UK and other cultural events, Garcia is keen to raise the profile of the steel pan on the international stage. 

Gill described the award as an achievement not just for his business, but for Trinidad and Tobago. He stated, “This award has created an elevated platform for our team of craftsmen to highlight their unique talent skills on a global forum. We are proud to be in the business of manufacturing the only new acoustic music instrument of the 20th century, the steel pan, and look forward to showcasing it to audiences across the globe”.

Ms. Achi-Kemba Phillips, Tourism Attaché of the High Commission for Trinidad and Tobago to the United Kingdom, commended Gill and Garcia on their accolade. “Our national instrument, the steel pan, plays such an integral role in the promotion of our country,” she said. “It is important that we preserve the art form by celebrating our crafts men and educating future generations on this valuable element of our culture”.