Pan Trinbago has welcomed President Christine Kangaloo’s call for the steelpan to be formally declared as the National Musical Instrument of Trinidad and Tobago by Parliament.

“Pan Trinbago is extremely proud of our new President for highlighting the steelpan in her Inauguration address and also in her address at the Ceremonial Opening of the 4th Session, 12th Parliament,” the steelpan governing body said in a brief statement on Monday.

As she delivered her an address at the ceremonial opening of the new Parliamentary session, President Kangaloo said she believes it is “high time” that the move be made.

“These are areas of focus which I hope Parliament will agree can help Trinidad and Tobago to get things right,” Her Excellency said.

She added: “Those in the industry will tell you that giving the steelpan formal and official national instrument status is critical to opening doors for the industry in international markets.”

In August, the United Nations declared August 11th as World Steelpan Day.