Acknowledging the criticism levelled at him for suggesting that the auditorium at NAPA’s South Campus should have been named after calypsonian Leroy “Black Stalin” Calliste instead of the late chutney icon Sundarlal “Sundar Popo” Bahora, San Fernando mayor Junia Regrello says he has nothing against Bahora.
In an interview, Regrello said the auditorium being named after Popo was cognisant of the tremendous contribution he made.
Speaking at the Hello, This is the Year for Love concert featuring CAL Skiffle Steel Orchestra and BP Renegades at NAPA, San Fernando, on Monday, Regrello said that if he had his way, the auditorium would not have been named in honour of Bahora but rather, Calliste. His comments were viewed by some as divisive.
But he explained that his pitch for the Dr Leroy Calliste Auditorium was more profound as Calliste was born in the heart of San Fernando and has represented the region at every level, beginning in the South tent. Popo is a native of Monkey Town, Barrackpore.
Regrello said, “He is the only San Fernandian to have won the national title and the Bucks Calypso King of the World Competition. He has travelled the world for over 50 years, promoting the art form and has an Honorary Doctorate from the UWI. His music covers a wide range of topics and social issues. His music continues to provoke thoughts and would be a reference point for historians in years to come, it is against that background that I made the comment.
“If l had my way l would have named this place the Dr Leroy Calliste Auditorium. Those accolades warranted cogent considerations. We as a people we need to be mature in our decision-making process and move away from balancing whatever is before us based on ethnicity and gave credit where it is due.”