Island Gems Charity supports Pwas steel pan programme

Musical joy: PWAS Music teacher Everard Blackman, Island Gems President Alita Singh and member Jody Rosen face the budding steel pannists. PHILIPSBURG--A meaningful donation from the Island Gems Charity Foundation is helping strengthen the steel pan programme at the Prince Willem-Alexander School PWAS. Island Gems donated a set of steel pan sticks after learning that the previous set had been lost, slowing down music classes and limiting full student participation. The donation was presented by Island Gems President Alita Singh and member Jody Rosen, and received by music teacher Everard Blackman. The pupils shared their musical talents on the steel pans with a rendition of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”. They learned the tune in just three weeks. While lessons continued, the shortage of sticks made it difficult for students to fully engage. With the new set now in place, classes can once again run at full capacity, allowing every child to actively participate. “Music plays an impo