A quick scan of panyard activity reveals much about the culture of the villagers and by extension, the spirit of Trinidad and Tobago. There is contagious laughter as children play mischievously around the adults, and often there are stern warnings from parents not to run among the pan-stands as the youngsters venture too close to the practicing area. For those who defy parental authority and scurry around and below the panplayers, there is the stern reprimand of the panyard watchman. For him, the panyard is home. He too often plays the pan, but tonight he casts a watchful eye as he looks out from his small living quarters within the yard itself.
Cheers go up from the excited crowd each time a practice round is played correctly.
Victory is sure at least for tonight. In a few weeks from now, they will gather at this village palais again to reflect on their victory or defeat - at the Panorama Competition. There will be much debate and arguing and laughter and after that, someone will suggest a cook-up of rice and curry meat. But that will be then, and as is often said in true Trini parlance, dat time will see after itself. Tonight the heroes perched on platforms in front of their panstands are the centre of attention.