It is indeed a wonderful, almost indescribable feeling of satisfaction to have achieved the prestigious panorama championship during our 25 anniversary, after success has eluded us for over two decades.

To have topped it off with the prize for "the sweetest steel band on the road" for Carnival 2003 is almost too much to bear.

But as the saying goes, "When it's nice, let's do it twice." We are aspiring to make excellence a habit and have organised numerous workshops and lectures to ensure our members are truly on board with this new thrust. We fully expect that these initiatives will bring along many more panorama titles.

For this year, though, enough praise cannot be showered on our cast of pianists who toiled through six hard weeks of intense and tiring, but enjoyable rehearsals. We are also grateful for the tremendous parental support shown, especially as we showcased approximately 25 members from our vibrant School of Pan program.

To our many fans and advisors, we say a hearty, "Thank You" for your continued support of our organisation. You are always ready and willing to assist us in any way necessary and for that we love you dearly.

All of us in the Gemonites Steel Orchestra are truly grateful to our Carnival partners for their invaluable contribution towards an extremely successful 2003: ABIB, The Source, Dante Tagliavente of Timeless Treasure/Millennium, Ms. Ethlyn Phillip of Admirals Inn, Ms. Valerie Hodge of Shirley Heights Lookout, Jason Brodie, Leewind Paints, Royal Bank, Jolly Beach Resort, Ted Isaac, RBTT, BWIA, LIAT, Antigua Catering, Heritage Hotel, Leslie Dunnah and Lorraine Byam.

We would also like to express our appreciation to musicians and technicians such as Rawdon Edwards, Roland Prince, Eddie Nias, Vincent Blaize, Dale Christopher, Torian "Onyan" Edwards, Eustace Samuel, Bertram Kellman, "Killer" Samaroo and Cecil Bailey, who played varying but important roles in our panorama victory.

In appreciation of everyone's efforts and in recognition of our Silver Anniversary, we promise Antigua & Barbuda the most enjoyable and professional Moods of Pan Festival 2003 in November. Details will follow shortly.

Finally, a word of warning to steel orchestras locally, regionally and internationally...BEWARE!

Gemonites has tasted blood and is hungry for more ...

In appreciation,

Gemonites Steel Orchestra