Calypso women hold vigil against crime

Once referred to as “Ambataila (Warrior) Woman,”  calypsonian Singing Sandra (Sandra des Vignes-Millington) is convinced that women can battle and reverse T&T’s spiralling crime rate. Sandra, a two-time National Calypso Monarch, spoke on Wednesday night, when the female calypsonians of Kaiso House, led by former calypso queen Twiggy (Ann Marie Parks-Kojo), staged a candlelight vigil outside De Nu Pub (The Mas Camp) to sensitise the population and protest violence and crime.

Said Sandra: “Every youth killed in this crazy time of senseless violence and crime has a mother, grandmother or sister who has to live the pain and grief after they have been murdered. “Throughout history, women have been the backbone of society and it is time that we women take back our country from the lawless. “This is just the beginning of the stand that we, the female calypsonians, are taking and we want to mobilise all women of our country.”

Sandra added: “We intend taking this demonstration nationwide, to every end of our nation, as crime is affecting all of us. “We are reaching out to all calypsonians, as well as all artistes and entertainers, to join us. We are determined to attract young people, as we think that the elders need to nurture and teach the youth proper morals and values.”
Led by “chanter” Marvin Davis, the women, dressed in white, pounded the pavement outside the Woodbrook venue holding lit candles. 

Among the women present were T&T Guardian public affairs editor Dr Sheila Rampersad, consumer and women’s activist Hazel Brown, Dr Merle Hodge, Jacqui Burgess, Norma Clarke and the cast of Calypso Divas International Cabaret. Men, including De Nu Pub director Mac Ward, former national calypso monarchs Sugar Aloes and Duane O’Connor, Tuco chairman Lutalo Masimba (Bro Resistance) and Rudy Ottley, supported the women.

After the vigil, a concert was held inside the showplace, hosted by Norma Clarke and Tommy Joseph. Performing were Karene Asche, Singing Sandra, Twiggy, Marvellous Marva, Akeila Fannis, Lady Ayesha, Sister Ava and Mikesha Logan.