The sweet tones of pan music rang through the marble halls of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Wednesday 18th June as the OECS Mission in Geneva hosted an event to celebrate OECS Day at the WTO headquarters.

The OECS Mission in Geneva held a musical recital featuring a well-known pan artiste from Antigua and Barbuda, Khan Cordice.

The event was attended by many ambassadors and delegates from the UN and the WTO, and the Director-General of the WTO, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was also in attendance.

DG Ngozi was so intrigued by the pan music and by the musical instrument itself that she rose from her seat during the performance, approached the performer and asked for the instrument to be explained to her.

Khan Cordice explained about the origins of the pan instrument and even gave an impromptu lesson on the pan to the Director-General, at the end of which she was able to play ‘Mary Had A little Lamb’.

Many ambassadors, including the ambassadors of the EU, India, Portugal, the Russian Federation and Panama, expressed fascination with the pan instrument and total delight and enjoyment at the music.

The event featured opening remarks from Ambassador Colin Murdoch, head of the OECS Mission in Geneva, and then a video address by the OECS Director-General Dr Didacus Jules.

DG Jules said: ‘Tonight through music – the universal language of the human spirit – we offer not only celebration, but also connection.

For just as the notes of a symphony find harmony in diversity, so too does the OECS find strength in its union of sovereign united nations.’

The Director-General thanked the ambassadors and other delegates at the recital for their friendship, their partnership and their enduring belief in the promise of the OECS region.

The recital also featured a supporting performance by Andrea Amanti, the UN official concert pianist, and was followed by a reception.