Calypso Fiesta more like a PNM concert

Tuco’s rules state that one has to be a citizen of T&T to participate in the national calypso competitions. I think another rule should be added. “One must be a PNM supporter and provide proof by producing a PNM party card and if you’re singing a political song, it must be pro-Manning or pro-PNM.” What I witnessed at Skinner Park on Saturday and in previous years can only be described as one massive PNM concert. How can anyone, regardless of political affiliation, condone former Prime Minister Patrick Manning coming on stage as PM to greet a competitor in the name of Sugar Aloes some years ago and parading on stage at Skinner Park with his government ministers during the competition as if it is a PNM presentation of candidates at election time?

On the other hand, when current Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bis-sessar’s presence was announced on Saturday at Skinner Park, she was booed and jeered. If she had decided not to make an appearance, she would have been accused of snubbing the event. DeFosto was also booed and shown toilet paper during his performance because he endorsed the People’s Partnership.

I guess Pink Panther knew what he was saying when he said that Crazy and DeFosto would have a price to pay for supporting the PP Government during the last elections. As you look at the political songs that were sent through to the finals as opposed to those which were left back in the calypso tents, you would realise that Tuco has deliberately orchestrated this whole charade to favour calypsonians who are well known PNM supporters or who sing pro-PNM calypsoes. If I were the Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism, I know what I would have done at Tuco.

Anthony Greenidge
Tunapuna