Ainsley King, chairman of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organization (TUCO) Tobago Zone and newly appointed vice president of the Copyright Organization of T&T (COTT), has pledged $60,000 to help needy calypsonians and members.
He did so at a computer distribution ceremony for children of TUCO members at the VIP Room, Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah, on Saturday
“A place will be set up to help calypsonians who don’t have a hit, got old, made contributions in whatever little way they could and were forgotten. The birth of the idea came during my term in office and I shared it with the blessing of the TUCO President Lutalo Masimba in order for it to materialise because when people’s backs are against the wall they cannot feel comfortable,” King said.
“A fund is going to be set up and I am pledging $60,000 to start because I see the need for this.
The door for the business sector to participate is open if they’re comfortable and understand what is being presented here for them to contribute in the future.”
Masimba said detractors had written off the organisation claiming it will not be able to survive with no Carnival due to COVID-19, but the members had adapted and proved how resilient they are.
He said the Office of the Vice President Initiative is just the start and will change significantly the welfare and well being of members who need assistance.
Speaking on behalf of Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe, Susan Corbett, Director of the Community Development Division, said Government continues to do its part in providing computers and tablets to those in need through the Ministry of Education, partnerships with private sector entities, NGOs and CBOs, as well as through many of their newly renovated or constructed community centres.