Anna Raffoul achieved through sheer determination and innovation, a steelband first in Dominica, W.I. She, along with her handpicked helpers and resources, organized and hosted the highly-successful inaugural OECS Junior Pan competition in Dominica this past April - with absolutely no intervention from her country's government. Mrs. Raffoul and her staff oversaw the efficacious mobilization and attendance of competitors from several other Caribbean islands.

Others around the world with far more assets at their disposal - including private companies, national and international associations, and national governments - lay claim to lengthy titles, but show far fewer results. For Mrs. Raffoul, the successful output of the intensely motivated young people who took part in the Junior pan competition, and the upward mobility of the steelpan art form in general in Dominica and throughout the Caribbean, are the factors that make the difference, and her work necessary.

Additionally, Mrs. Raffoul continues to work behind the scenes. On behalf of the steelband movement in her country, the dynamic and energetic woman has been sacrificing much personally and financially, to continue the uplifting of Dominica's young people, especially those who find joy in the beauty and artistry of the steelband instrument. Later on in November Mrs. Raffoul again played a major role in what turned out to be Dominica's most successful-ever annual Pan by the Bay steelband music festival, held around the country's Independence celebrations.

So for achieving the successful reality of her own brainchild - the inaugural Junior Pan Competition - and continuing in that vein through avenues such as her unstinting involvement in and dedication to her country's Pan By the Bay festival, When Steel Talks (WST) salutes Mrs. Anna Raffoul, and is proud to declare her the Steelband Personality for the Year 2006.

Contact Anna Raffoul at: 1 (767) 448 2622 | email: dominipan@hotmail.com