The Diamond Steel Orchestra is making a much needed come back onto the local steel pan scene and the St. Lucia carnival generally.
The resurgence of the Marchand based band was handed another lifeline this week when Prime Minister and Parliamentary Representative Philip J. Pierre officially donated steel pans to the organization.
Recently, the Castries East Representative together with Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Donalyn Vittet, orchestrated a new home for an outfit that is known for its contribution to the Steel pan environment locally and regionally.
The new facility named The Gregory “Shining” Emmanuel Pan Shed, after its founder and steel pan icon, is situated within the Marchand Ground sporting complex.
The leadership of Diamond Steel Orchestra is confident that the group will make a spirited comeback to the local scene after what has been described as a long and hard 13-year hiatus.
PS Vittet, who is also a constituent of Castries East, was in agreement with the Prime Minister and the tourism minister that the Diamond Steel organization held a special place in local carnival and was sufficiently important to warrant support.
While Diamond Steel Orchestra may not compete in the local steel pan competition, they are expected to make an appearance at St. Lucia Carnival 2026.
In addition to the 16-pan donation, the Ministry or Tourism has also committed support to reviving pan at the Leon Hess Comprehensive School, with a further donation of steel pans.