President of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (Tuco) Lutalo “Brother Resistance” Masimba is lobbying for the Kaiso House Calypso Tent at the Queen’s Park Savannah for Carnival to remain as a credible entertainment space throughout the year.
He made the call yesterday at the draw for tomorrow’s Calypso Fiesta at Skinner Park, San Fernando, from which 11 finalists would advance and seek to dethrone reigning National Calypso Monarch Roderick “Chucky” Gordon.
“We have the most prestigious title in the Carnival because since 1969 we have been competing for the National Calypso Monarch.
“Today, congratulations go out to each and every one of you, all contestants who will be heading to Skinner Park to make their statement in their own way. In moving forward we know there is a lot of work for us to do as artistes,” he said. Masimba added: “We feel sad that this same venue that we are in to celebrate will have to be torn down Ash Wednesday. It says how far (behind) we are as entertainers in T&T. So when you are vying for your million dollars, when you are singing for your crown, remember there is so much to be done.”
Former culture minister Winston “Gypsy” Peters, who is also a former National Calypso Monarch, will appear in position number 30 at tomorrow’s competition, while previous title holder Karene Asche and Duane O’Connor have drawn to appear in position three and nine respectively.
ORDER OF APPEARANCE
1 Ife Alleyne
2 Steve Pascall (Ras Kommanda)
3 Duane O’Connor
4 Sean Daniel (The Psalmist)
5 Tameka Darius
6 Karen Eccles Thomas
7 Selvon Noel (Mistah Shak)
8 Myron Bruce (The Incredible Myron Bruce)
9 Karene Asche
10 Michael Legerton (Protector)
11 Vivian Lockhart (Young Poser)
12 Heather Mc Intosh
13 Alana Sinnette Khan
14 Diane Hendrickson (Lady Wonder)
15 Kurt Allen (Last Badjon of Calypso)
16 Devon Seale
17 Henson Wright
18 Morel Peters (Luta)
19 Joanne Rowley (Tigress)
20 Kizzie Ruiz
21 Hammond Bruce
22 Eulith Woods (Macomere Fifi)
23 Brian London
24 Stephen Marcelle
25 Sandra Des Vignes Millington
26 Marsha Clifton
27 Hollis Liverpool (Chalkdust)
28 Helon Francis
29 Georgia Mc Intyre (The Messenger)
30 Winston Peters (Gypsy)
31 Stacey Sobers Abraham
32 Victoria Cooper–Rahim (Queen Victoria)
33 Joanne Foster
34 Tammico Moore (Spicey)
35 Alicia Richards
36 Lesley Ann Ellis
37 Michelle Henry
38 Kerine Williams
39 Gilbert O’Connor (Happy)
40 Weston Rawlins (Cro Cro)