Documenting Caribbean culture, icons, steelpan, carnival, and music — connecting the Caribbean and its diaspora through stories, sound, and history.
April 2, 2026
Hello and welcome to this week’s issue of I Am Living My Life: Culture Archives — a weekly look at Caribbean culture, heritage, music, and community.
Table of Contents
✨ Faith, Freedom & Resilience: Spiritual Shouter Baptist Liberation Day
This week, we reflect on a chapter of Trinidad and Tobago’s history rooted in faith, resistance, and cultural identity, as the Spiritual Baptist community commemorates 75 years since the repeal of the Shouters Prohibition Ordinance.
The Spiritual Shouter Baptists were not always free to worship.
From 1917 to 1951, their faith was strictly banned by the colonial government in Trinidad. Worshippers who were caught practicing were arrested, beaten, and jailed. Many were forced to retreat into the hills and forests just to pray.
After decades of resistance, the Shouters Prohibition Ordinance was repealed on March 30, 1951, finally granting them the freedom to worship openly.
Today, March 30 is observed as Spiritual Shouter Baptist Liberation Day in Trinidad and Tobago and is a national recognition of faith, resilience, and victory.
🌍 A Faith Indigenous to Trinidad and Tobago
While its roots can be traced to West African traditions such as the Yoruba, influences from formerly enslaved Africans, and the “Shakers” of St. Vincent, the Spiritual Shouter Baptist faith evolved into something uniquely Trinidadian.
It is a vibrant and expressive religion that blends African spirituality with Christian traditions - a powerful fusion of rhythm, movement, and devotion.
Interestingly, the term "Shouter" was originally a derogatory label used by mainstream society because of the group's loud singing and clapping.
⛓️ The Era of Prohibition
On November 16, 1917, the colonial government passed the Shouters Prohibition Ordinance, banning the religion outright.
While authorities claimed the worship “disturbed the peace,” the deeper issue was rooted in prejudice against African-derived practices and concern from established churches losing members.
For 34 years, Spiritual Baptists were forbidden to gather or maintain places of worship.
The turning point came through sustained advocacy from leaders like Tubal Uriah “Buzz” Butler and Elton George Griffith, alongside growing public support.
Their efforts led to the historic repeal on March 30, 1951.
In 1996, the government further honored this legacy by:
Declaring March 30 a public holiday
Granting 25 acres of land to support the community’s development
🔔 Sacred Symbols & Worship
If you have seen commemorations of the Spiritual Shouter Baptists, you likely noticed an array of beautiful, symbolic items used in their worship.
Common elements include:
Water – representing the pure river of God
Flowers – symbolizing life and beauty
Candles – representing Jesus as the Light of the world
Bells – used as a call to worship
Faith That Could Not Be Silenced
The Spiritual Shouter Baptist faith stands as a testament to endurance, identity, and unwavering belief.
Across Trinidad and Tobago, the holiday was marked with celebrations in communities including Balmain, Couva, Point Fortin, Chaguanas, Moruga, and Tobago, as members and supporters gathered in thanksgiving, reflection, and praise.
Today, members no longer have to hide; their membership is growing globally, and their joyous celebration serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring human spirit
🎶 🎧 Livin’ Yuh Life Podcast Launch: Ojay Richards
Ojay Richards at Pan Elders Steel Orchestra’s panyard during the 2026 Panorama season
This week on the I Am Living My Life YouTube channel, we officially launched the “Livin’ Yuh Life” Podcast with a powerful first episode featuring arranger Ojay Richards.
Ojay Richards continues to demonstrate remarkable range by competing and placing across all four Panorama categories in a single season.
The conversation was recorded shortly after his victory with Uptown Fascinators Steel Orchestra in the Small Bands Panorama, and offers insight into the discipline, creativity, and vision behind his work.
▶️ Watch the Full Episode
🏆 Panorama 2026 Highlights
Single Pan Bands – 5th place, arranging for Hope Pan Groovers
“Like a Boss” – Machel MontanoSmall Bands – 1st place (tie), arranging Uptown Fascinators
“Band From Space” – Amrit Samaroo & CrazyMedium Bands – 1st place, arranging for Pan Elders Steel Orchestra
“Magician” – Burning FlamesLarge Bands – 3rd place, arranging for Nutrien Silver Stars
“Respectfully Yours” – Full Blown
📊 A Historic Trajectory
As highlighted by Ian Franklin, Ojay:
celebrated a third Small Bands Panorama title with Uptown Fascinators (alongside Salisha James)
was among a select group of arrangers who qualified a large band for Panorama finals in 2023
achieved a top-three finish in Large Band on his first attempt
became the first arranger to lead a Medium Band to victory with the highest recorded score (289)
✝️ Easter Across the Caribbean
This weekend, Easter is being celebrated across the Caribbean, marking the end of the Lenten season and a time of reflection, renewal, and family.
In many parts of the region, it is observed as a long weekend from Good Friday to Easter Monday, with communities coming together through both religious observances and cultural traditions.
In Siparia, Trinidad and Tobago, the celebration of La Divina Pastora (Siparee Mai) draws large crowds over Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Alongside its deep spiritual significance, the event has also grown into a vibrant street food and artisan festival, blending faith with community and culture.
Food remains a central part of the Easter experience across the region:
In Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, hot cross buns are a staple
In Jamaica, the tradition of bun and cheese is widely enjoyed
Easter continues to be a meaningful time across the Caribbean - where faith, tradition, and culture come together.
Learn to Play Steelpan
Trinidad & Tobago
Uptown Fascinators Youth Program
Ages: 8 - 21yrs
Classes Begin: April 14, 2026
Cost: $200/month | $500/term
Location:
Uptown Fascinators Pan Theatre
#2 Smithfield Rd, Scarborough, Tobago
Contact:
1-868-290-2496
1-868-375-0368
1-868-797-8803
C&B CrownCordaans Steel Orchestra
Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced
Saturdays — 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Registration begins: March 21, 2026
Location:
C&B Crowncordaans Panyard
Milford Road, Canaan, Tobago
Contact:
Mr. Trim: 1-868-756-8579
Ms. Hamilton: 1-868-333-5054
Ms. Mitchell: 1-868-772-9078
Arima Angel Harps Steel Orchestra
Classes start: Saturday 11 April, 2026
Cost: $100 Registration Fee + $200 per month
Contact:
Mersuda: 1-868-487-1481
Noel Edwards: 1-868-706-4144
Soriya: 1-868-796-0462
Couva Joylanders Steel Orchestra
16 and over
Tuesdays — 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Classes begin: Tuesday 14 April, 2026
15 and under
Tuesdays — 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Classes begin: Thursday 16 April, 2026
Contact: 1-868-681-2245
Pamberi Steel Orchestra
Pamberi Youth Classes
Saturdays
Contact: Pamberi Steel Orchestra Social Media Pages
Achaiba’s House of Music
Learn Piano, Steelpan, Guitar, Drums
Location: Seukeran St, San Fernando
Contact: 1-868-462-0843 / 1-868-351-3004
Canada
Pan Dynamicx Beginner Steelpan Workshop
Registration currently open
Dates: April 18, 2026 - June 20, 2026
Time: Saturdays 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Contact: [email protected]
Learn Cultural Arts
Stilt Walking & Fire Breathing
Kiari Mokos Entertainment is recruiting participants.
Location: Siparia, Trinidad & Tobago
Contact:
WhatsApp only — 1-868-799-3302
African Drum Classes — Neptune’s Drum Classes
Location: Gasparillo Community Center
Cost:
Beginner — $200
Intermediate — $250
Advanced — $300
Classes begin: April 11, 2026
Contact:
Jahvin Neptune — 1-868-312-9570
Frontline School of Drums & Siparia Committee Council
A Grand Drum Workshop
Location: Siparia Community Center
Date: April 11, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Contact:
1-868-315-7427
18680735-1592
📅 Upcoming Caribbean Cultural Events
Trinidad & Tobago
ComPANions
All Fours & Karaoke
Date: April 2, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Curepe Scherzando Panyard
Cost: Free
La Divina Pastora (Siparee Kai) Festival
Dates: April 2, 2026 (Holy Thursday) & April 3, 2026 (Good Friday)
Time: 8:00 AM Thursday - 2:00 PM Friday
Locations: La Pastora Street, Cemetery Street, George Street, Mary Street, Edwards Street
Skiffle Steel Orchestra
Good Friday Sports & Family Day (Cooler event) - cricket, 5 ah side football, all 4’s
Date: April 3, 2026
Location: Skiffle Steel Orchestra Panyard
Cost: Free
USA
Brooklyn, NY
The Garvin Blake Quartet
Date: April 4, 2026
Time: 8:00PM & 9:30PM
Cost: Free
Location: Bar Bayeux - 1066 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Performances by: Garvin Blake, Chris Eddleton, Konrad Adderley & Frankie McIntosh
🌐 Stay Connected with Caribbean Culture
Thank you for reading Culture Archives from I Am Living My Life.
If you know of a cultural event, steelpan program, or community initiative that should be featured in a future edition, feel free to reach out.
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