The University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) is celebrating the achievements of the UCCI Pandemix Steelband following its participation in Pan Alive 2026 in Toronto, Canada, where students showcased Caymanian talent and culture as part of one of North America’s premier celebrations of steelpan music.
Held as part of Toronto’s annual Caribbean Carnival, Pan Alive brings together steel orchestras, musicians and audiences in a vibrant celebration of Caribbean music, heritage and artistic excellence. For UCCI Pandemix, the experience provided an opportunity to build on the students’ musical development in the Cayman Islands while performing within a major international cultural event.
Members of UCCI Pandemix joined Toronto’s Afropan Steelband, performing together as the Afropan Youth Steelband and delivering the opening performance of the Pan Alive competition. Performing alongside accomplished musicians, the students strengthened their musicianship, discipline, teamwork and confidence while proudly showcasing the talent and cultural pride of the Cayman Islands beyond its shores.
The experience held particular significance for UCCI, as the majority of the participating musicians were Dual Enrollment students. Their involvement demonstrated the value of educational opportunities that complement academic study with practical experiences, allowing young people to develop their talents, broaden their perspectives and gain meaningful exposure beyond the classroom.
“I am extremely proud of our steelpan players, the majority of whom were Dual Enrollment students. This intensive experiential learning opportunity not only exposed them to high-level musicianship, but also fostered discipline and meaningful cultural exchange. Throughout this experience, our students served as outstanding cultural ambassadors for the Cayman Islands,” said Glen Inanga, Assistant Professor of Humanities and Social Sciences at UCCI.
The experience also gave students an opportunity to proudly share Caymanian culture while learning and performing alongside musicians from across the wider Caribbean community. The exchange exposed them to new perspectives and approaches to steelpan, while providing an opportunity to grow as young musicians.
Speaking with CTV News Toronto, UCCI student Khaila Clarke reflected on the experience and the challenge of adapting to a new performance environment.
“I feel it pushes us to be better, to learn faster and adapt quicker to new environments and new situations. But it’s been fun, we’re settling in well, and we’re playing well,” said Clarke.
The journey began on 23 July 2026, when members of UCCI Pandemix departed Grand Cayman to join the wider contingent in Toronto. Students, faculty, family members and supporters gathered at the airport for the band’s send-off, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Education and Training, whose sponsorship and support helped make the opportunity possible.
Addressing the students before their departure, Jerome McCoy, Acting Chief Officer in the Ministry of Education and Training, encouraged the band to “carry the pride and passion of the Cayman Islands with them, show Caymankind, and bring back the gold.”
That message of national pride remained at the heart of the experience as the students took their music and the spirit of the Cayman Islands with them to Toronto.
Following the group’s participation in Pan Alive, the Honourable Rolston Anglin, JP, MP, Minister for Finance and Economic Development and Minister for Education and Training, reflected on the significance of providing young Caymanians with opportunities to develop their talents, experience learning beyond the classroom and represent their country internationally.
“We are proud of these young Caymanians. The UCCI Pandemix Steelband gives them a chance to grow their talents and represent Cayman with pride. That is exactly the kind of initiative this Ministry wants to support,” said Minister Anglin.
The students’ participation was guided by Earl La Pierre, Director and Arranger of the UCCI Pandemix Steelband and Founder and Arranger of Afropan Steelband. His longstanding contribution to steelpan music and mentorship of young musicians has played an important role in developing the students’ abilities while strengthening connections between Cayman’s emerging performers and the wider Caribbean steelpan community.
President and Chief Executive Officer Nanalie Cover also extended her congratulations to the UCCI Pandemix Steelband, commending the students for representing UCCI and the Cayman Islands with distinction on the international stage. She noted that their achievement reflects UCCI’s commitment to creating learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, allowing students to develop their talents, broaden their perspectives and celebrate their cultural identity.
The significance of the experience was also reflected in the response from families. One parent shared, “I feel very proud of you, Mr. La Pierre and the entire UCCI team for taking such good care of our children and for exposing them to this wonderful cultural exchange.”
The University extends its sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Education and Training for its sponsorship and continued investment in opportunities that support the development of Caymanian students. UCCI also recognises Mr. La Pierre, Mr. Inanga, Afropan Steelband, parents, families and supporters whose collective efforts helped make the experience possible.
UCCI Pandemix’s participation in Pan Alive reflects the University’s broader commitment to an educational experience that combines academic excellence with opportunities for personal growth, cultural engagement and real-world learning. By providing students with opportunities to develop and showcase their talents beyond the classroom, UCCI continues to prepare confident, well-rounded learners who are equipped to contribute to their communities and the continued development of the Cayman Islands.
For the students of UCCI Pandemix, Pan Alive 2026 represented more than a performance. It was an opportunity to carry Caymanian talent and cu