Thursday, January 18 2007

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Pan pioneer Anthony "Muff Man" Williams...

PAN INNOVATOR Anthony “Muff Man” Williams was given the keys to his newly refurbished home by Culture and Gender Affairs Minister Joan Yuille-Williams yesterday.

The home, which was refurbished at the cost of $285,000 with funding from the National Social Development Programme, was handed over to Williams who is the inventor of the spiderweb pan.

Yuille-Williams described the occasion as “timely” saying this is not only a tribute to a pan icon, but also to other pan pioneers. “This is just one way to recognise pannists,” she said. Giving her sincere thanks to the pan pioneer for his contribution to culture, Yuille-Williams said, “We have to look for other ways to assist and pay tribute to the others.”

The life and accomplishments of Williams, 75, was celebrated in a simple ceremony where his peers in the pan fraternity described him as a musical genius.

Pan Trinbago president Patrick Arnold said it was good that the musical genius is finally coming back home, since it was not good for an international icon to be housed in poor accommodations. “It would have been a shame in this country for foreigners to come and see a musical genius’ home in such a condition,” Arnold said.

He insisted Williams should also be honoured with a Doctorate for his invaluable contribution and accomplishments. “This must be done while he is still alive,” Arnold said.

Among the VIPs in attendance were Rev Dr Knolly Clarke, Earl Nesbitt, Dorell Phillips and Junior Culture Minister Eddie Hart.