THE unusual rise in criminal activity has affected the steelband movement a lot this season, with a number of bands resorting to ads in the newspaper for players.

Such is the fear at present that the sole steelband smack in the centre of the Morvant community is one such casualty.

The Morvant Ebonites Steel Orchestra continues to provide sweet music for the few residents who dare venture out at nights for some entertainment in these troubled times.

This once-popular steelband that has produced offshoots in Harmonites and Solo Pan Knights of recent times, is now struggling to survive.

Situated in the heart of Morvant in the former premises of the craft cottage next to the Morvant Health Centre, the band was only able to attract 35 players in this year’s Panorama Preliminaries.

Under the leadership of captain Dave Small and PRO calypsonian Bill Trotman with Calypso Crazy’s composition Women in Pan, the band did not impress the judges.

Anthony “Squirrel” Gumbs, the arranger, was himself a victim of gunshot wounds to his right arm in a crossfire on Nelson Street, Port of Spain.

“We have given it our best shot in the circumstances,” he said.

“By 9 p.m. our practice sessions are over as the youths need to be off the streets.

“You cannot send children to do a man’s job; we need more practice time, as continuous practice makes perfect.

“But my love for pan keeps me coming here daily and encouraging the youths.

“This crime situation is new to the young people, but I have been through the steelband clashes of the early pan movement.

“That violence was among panmen while today’s adventure is senseless and baseless.”

Slugs lodged in Gumbs’ arms would not be removed until Ash Wednesday.

“I was an innocent victim caught up in a crossfire of restless youths.

“I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“So what to do; pull in and become a recluse?

“No way!

“As long as there are youths willing to learn the art of playing pan and there are parents willing to allow them the opportunity, I will be there.

“I, too, wish to see Ebonites return as the pride of Morvant again.”

He said although the band was not successful in the Panorama, it usually has success in the “bomb” competitions.

“So look out for us on Carnival Monday and Tuesday on the road and especially the ‘bomb’ competitions where we intend to bomb them up,” he ended with a smile.

Gumbs was a former player with Valley Harps Steel Orchestra before he turned arranger for Morvant Ebonites.