Antigua - In Antigua and Barbuda, that special dot on the world map, where I?m from, it is an exciting time for women. We have found our voices and unveiled our talents and we are unstoppable. We have taken on the men in traditional ?men? activities and are excelling.
By Dotsie Isaac GellizeauThe steel pan is just one small area that we have challenged and taken by storm. Traditionally, steel bands have been a ?man? thing. Women listened and enjoyed, probably never entertaining the thought of being a part of it. Well, at least one woman must have thought about it and dared to try it, and then it caught on like a "bad flu."
There is no greater joy than watching a sister beat pan with attitude. The sound of the music fades away and all else is blurred and the women become the center of attraction for all five senses. A few moments later, I wake from my reverie to find myself smiling and keeping time and just simply admiring the natural confidence with which they handle this art. They seem to be saying, ?Pan playing wasn?t made for man alone. It was made for me too.?
It is this attitude that is the attraction to pan for other women. It leaves a longing and some degree of envy. I myself have said, ?Next year carnival must find me beating pan.? Fortunately, or unfortunately for me, next year is always a year away and I reason that somebody must be on the sideline to watch and report.
