More than 30 calypso enthusiasts attended the 12th-14th November workshop which was organised by the Calypso Development Committee.
In a previous interview with MiyVue.com, Chairman of the Carnival Committee, Clement ‘Monarch’ O’Garro explained that the main purpose of the workshop was to allow both judges and calypsonians to be synchronized, as it relates to the criteria by which they are judged.
The workshop commenced with welcome remarks from Dr Ken Ballantyne, who heads the
calypso fraternity as chairman of the Calypso Development Committee. He spoke glowingly of the facilitators before introducing Carnival Chairman Clement O’garro who stressed the importance of calypso to the carnival family. This he said is why the National Carnival Committee gave EC $15,000 to each Calypso Tent this season.
Culture Minister Marcella Liburd expressed her satisfaction with calypsonians and judges coming together for this important workshop. She too spent many sessions in the workshop observing the knowledge of the facilitators and the information distributed.
Sessions were facilitated by Hugh Grant, judging coordinator of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonian Organization and Gregory Ballantyne, entertainer and songwriter who lectured on the history of calypso, judging, writing, presentation and arrangement, topics which formed the core of discussions and practical exercises.
The workshop climaxed on Sunday 14th November with all participants judging the 2009/2010 LIME Calypso Finals.
Certificates of participation were issued and the workshop concluded with remarks from Lincoln “Contender” Maynard on behalf of the participants. He thanked the facilitators for their comprehensive coverage of the art form.
The workshop was organized as part of the preparation for the LIME Calypso Monarch on 29th December at the Football Stadium where all carnival shows will be held this year.
So far, over fifty calypsonians have registered for the Sugar Mas’ Calypso Monarchy.