According to Tent leaders, the task has always been extremely burdensome, but is one that they accept as a national duty and an opportunity to support the development of local artistes, while at the same time, helping to promote the National Carnival.
For this year’s carnival however, support has been offered by the National Carnival Committee, which has decided to provide a substantial monetary donation to the Grand Masters Proud Sounds Calypso Tent and the Legends Calypso Tent.
The National Carnival Committee demonstrated its commitment to the survival of the Calypso art form with a contribution to Proud Sounds and Legends Calypso Tents on Sunday 7th November.
Chairman Clement Ogarro himself a calypsonian, was joined by Calypso sub-Committee head Dr Ken Ballantyne to present a cash stimulus to tent leaders Wingrove Hicks, and Sylvester “Socrates” Hodge.
A combined total of EC $30,000.00 will be distributed to both tents to ensure effective management and maximum potential throughout the current calypso season.
Chairman Ogarro in making the presentation admonished the calypsonians to live up to the high standards of the art form. He stressed that for too many years, calypsonians were not ready to compete because the season was very short. With the injection of cash, Ogarro is hoping to eliminate some of the challenges the calypsonians have faced over the years.
Proud Sounds Tent leader Wingrove Hicks expressed his satisfaction with the gesture.
He ensured the committee and the calypsonians that he would do his best to bring an improved product to the table for Sugar Mas’ 2010/2011.
Reigning calypso king Socrates accepted the offer on behalf of the Legends Tent and commented positively on the stimulus of cash. He said that his backing band is put together specifically for the calypso season and this task alone is very expensive.
Socrates also committed to present an enhanced atmosphere at the tent.
The presentation took place at Beaumont Park where both tents collaborated on a joint opening of the calypso season. Even though the inclement weather kept some patrons away, a crowd of over three hundred turned up to see the heavy weights dish out social and witty commentary.
The Calypso sub-Committee took the opportunity to thank the tent leaders for their early start this year and promises to work with them to create an unforgettable calypso season which ends on December 29 with the LIME Senior Monarch.