Cro Cro: Peters’ comments spoiled my Monarch chances

Weston “Cro Cro” Rawlins says the unflattering comments expressed publicly by Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Winston “Gypsy” Peters about one of his calypso compositions—five days prior to the competition—may have disadvantaged his chances at winning this year’s Calypso Monarch. In a telephone interview on Monday, Rawlins said he believed  Peters, in saying that his song, Compare and Contrast, was offensive, may have adversely affected the manner in which it was received at Dimanche Gras. “It started with Gypsy and he was out of order to say so much about my song because it had put me in a situation,” he said.

He added: “Political influence could have swayed the judges’ decision... but I am very cool with it. “It took an entire week to influence the public’s mind with regards to making sure that I don’t win but I’ll be there again.” Peters made the comment exactly two weeks ago while speaking with reporters at the launch of the T&T Postal Corporation’s commemorative Carnival stamp issue at the VIP Lounge at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain. Asked about his (Rawlins) views on whether he felt the same can be attributed to the results of the Groovy Soca Monarch Competition, the calypso veteran said: “I wasn’t really paying much attention to it but I know that Ramlogan (AG) said his thing and then I see Machel hugging the Prime Minister (Kamla Persad-Bissessar), so I know the game, but the question remains, for how long will they continue to do that kind of thing?” 

Rawlins shared his views on what may be deemed “sensational” lyrics and denied it was ever his intention to incite any racial division in his music.  “I don’t know about that (racism) but if it is so they will have to take it as I see it. “I know that there are stupid black people and I stand by that,” he added. He responded to the views expressed by Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner who saw his lyrical themes to be redundant and part of an “old, dying era”. “I don’t intentionally plan to sing on anything in particular.

“These are issues which just come out and if I have to sing about these issues for the next five years then I will because kaiso is about depth and serious issues,” Rawlins said. He added: “Tell Jack I wish him the best and I hope he makes the five years, though I am not so sure.” Rawlins then trained his guns at arch-rival and fellow calypsonian Michael “Sugar Aloes” Osouna when asked to comment on the apparent feud between them which has continued to present itself on the competitive stage. He said: “I am a Roman Catholic and I stay far from trouble. Aloes just can’t get over me.

“I am one of the baddest writers in the world as far as kaiso is concerned and he still has to sing about me to get there and if you listen every year you will see what I am saying.” While he compared himself to “one of those footballers who didn’t get pay” he believed that artistes, such as the Original De Fosto (Winston Scarborough), should, like him, accept their losses with some dignity and try again. “Anybody you see crying and begging and wanting favours is not strong enough to take a cut tail. Go home and come again,” Rawlins said. He contended that the judges’ decision was always final and said he was pleased with the new monarch and advised that she manage her money well and help make a good life for her family.  “I am very happy for the child and I wish her the best,” Rawlins added.