A new extempo champion will be crowned this year. Reigning champion, Winston "Gypsy" Peters, has stated his intention not to defend his crown because of his ministerial portfolio. When he squared off with former extempo monarch, Lingo, to take the crown in 2010, Peters was an Opposition Member of Parliament, representing the constituency of Mayaro. Following the May 24, 2010 election, he was elevated to the post of Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism in the People's Partnership Government.
In an interview yesterday, Peters, who also performed in a calypso tent during the 2010 Carnival season, said there was no law preventing him from defending his crown. "But that would be unethical. I can't do it. Even when I was president of the Trinbago Unified Calypso Organisation (Tuco), I did not enter any competition. So I am not going to defend." However, describing himself "as an entertainer first," Peters said he would make a guest appearance at the competition which usually takes place on the Thursday before Carnival.