The newly upgraded Pan in Education Business Model, PIE is an innovative ICT-based educational tool. Its primary objective is to enable and sustain a Music Industry, beginning in the classroom. PIE has evolved from seven years of ongoing research and development by a team of dedicated professionals, all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Business Model contains on CD specialised curriculum modules, assignment tasks and a recently formulated National Occupational Standard (NOS) entitled Music Producer. PIE is fully compatible with both Windows and MAC operating systems and will facilitate creation of a new cadre of Caribbean entrepreneurs committed to playing the Global Music Industry with technologically advanced cultural products.

The NOS consists of forty-four Units tailored to facilitate levels 2 and 3 Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ). These encompass the disciplines of Audio Engineering, Business, Music Literacy, Social Studies and Technical English. Fulfilment of the PIE curriculum will ensure that graduates are suitably equipped to compete in the global marketplace with offerings that meet minimum acceptable international standards.

The (acoustic) Steelpan and (electronic) Percussive Harmonic Instrument (P.H.I.) will be the preferred instruments for Music Literacy tuition. Long-term success of PIE depends on establishing standardised high-end recording/ mastering suites in chosen schools and community facilities. These will be based on a benchmark defined by Sanch Electronix. Curriculum delivery from a distance-learning platform is the other critical success factor.

An article entitled, The classroom - an appropriate environment for nurturing Caribbean rhythms, has been published on page 42 of the May edition of the CXC Magazine, The Caribbean Examiner. It outlines a strategic plan for PIE. The programme has been endorsed by several prominent entities including UWI, UTT, The Ministry of Education, CXC, bpTT, Microsoft, UNDP, the Commonwealth Secretariat and Rising Stars of St. Thomas, USVI.

The Caribbean Export Development Agency, (Caribbean Export) launched its 3rd Call for Proposals for the Direct Assistance Scheme on April 20, 2010. Sanch Electronix submitted an application and was approved for a grant on May 28. Sanch will be utilising a portion of the funding assistance to develop and initiate the PIE throughout CARICOM. This support from Caribbean Export is gratefully acknowledged.