Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has agreed to be the patron of Divas Calypso Cabaret International.The announcement was made by the tent's founder/manager, Rudolph Ottley, at the opening of its tenth season at the Nu Pub in Woodbrook, on Wednesday."I know there will be mixed reactions to this news," Ottley said."Some may express the opinion that Ottley has sold out, but the reality is that if we are to continue for the next ten years we must agree to accept some measure of financial support."
Divas Calypso Cabaret International is a non-government, non-profit organisation, which was registered in 2004. It is the world's only all-female calypso tent/cabaret, and has been running since 2004.
To date, the Divas tent has produced two NACC calypso queens–Karen Eccles in 2004 and Abbi Blackman in 2005. The tent has also won accolades for the best chorus group in 2005 and the most promising female calypsonian, Danielle Largenese, in 2009, both awards being adjudicated on by the National Carnival Commission (NCC).
Ottley told the audience that sourcing financial support for the venture from the corporate sector had been a continuous challenge for management over the past ten years. He said the organisation had received "38 letters of rejection" for this season so far, but still had to find money to pay a weekly wage bill that is in the region of $65,000."We hope with the pledge coming from the Office of the Prime Minister we may not have to beg for assistance for the next ten years," he said.
The opening night's programme paid tribute to veteran female calypsonians, with cast members performing some of their vintage works. Lisa John offered Ella Andall's Bring Down The Power; Sharon Alexis opted for Lady Iere's Love Me or Leave Me; Esther Linton chose Singing Francine's Runaway; and Karen Eccles did Twiggy's Up Under Me.Ann Marie "Twiggy" Parks-Cudjoe was also presented with an award in recognition of her 40-year career as a calypsonian.
Receiving the first encore for the season was Vonique Benjamin for her timely, well-constructed calypso on the subject of domestic violence, titled Ah Putting Mih Foot Down. Also well received were Eccles' thought-provoking selection The Value of Life and Sybil Heather's timely Tears For An Angel.