The Silver Stars Steel Orchestra issued a statement to clarify events that transpired during the recent TRIBE Launch Cup 2026 event. The band, which they describe as a group of professional musicians and ambassadors of Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument, the steelpan, was originally scheduled to perform earlier in the event. However, due to several setbacks, they were later instructed to perform at the end of the event, without being informed of any permit restrictions.
According to the band, they had just begun playing when police entered the scene and instructed them to stop, allegedly without any prior communication with the management. They claim that a man, whom they later believed to be a police officer, shouted at members and intentionally threw one of the band’s instruments to the ground. When a band member bent down to retrieve the instrument, they were allegedly attacked by the unidentified man.
The orchestra alleges that Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) officers joined in and assaulted the player, causing injuries and damaging instruments. They claim the incident escalated within less than one minute of their performance. The band states that players who protested the treatment of the instruments were met with force, and some members were detained.
Despite the incident, Silver Stars asserts their players did not assault anyone, were not defiant, and had no issue complying with permit requirements. They believe the situation resulted from a misunderstanding regarding the permit and that it should have been resolved through dialogue with event promoters or management rather than direct confrontation.
While the band remains committed to working with law enforcement, they cannot accept what they describe as the unwarranted abuse suffered by its players. They hope Trinidad and Tobago will show greater respect for the steelpan and its performers, and pledge to continue representing the national instrument with pride.
