On July 3rd and 4th, 2024, The National Musical Instrument Bill, 2024 was debated in Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament to declare the Steelpan as the country’s National Musical Instrument. Senator the Honourable Randall Mitchell, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts piloted the Bill in the House of Representatives and the Senate, respectively. The Bill entitled “An Act to provide for the designation of the Steelpan as the National Musical Instrument of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and for related matters” gained unanimous support from all Members of Parliament present.
Following the passing of The National Musical Instrument Bill, 2024 in the Lower House of Representatives and the Senate, it will now be submitted for Presidential Assent. Hereafter, it will become an Act, thus giving the legislation the status of Law.