Dear Editor,
I am a lover of Calypso as an art form. I enjoy the creativity of individuals who can capture topical issues and convert them into musical masterpieces. The objects of such creativity are usually individuals or prevailing circumstances, be they social or political, that we encounter in our daily lives. I googled “Calypso” and got this response: “Calypso is deeply rooted in themes of political commentary and protest, sporting witty lyrics, a satirical tone and double entendre.”
I read in our daily newspapers that a child (poor thing) was disqualified from National Children’s Mash Competition, for a Calypso she sang criticising the Government’s 6.5 percent pay increase. It is indeed a sad day when a Government sees it fit to censure speech/song that is not in their favour! (And I’m sure there are some that disagree with this decision but lack the testicular fortitude to say so). This is a dangerous development! I don’t accept that balderdash about the song not being “age- appropriate”!
In Stabroek News, Thurs. Feb.15, 2024, it is reported that Imran Ally asked “How can you now say that the piece is non-compliant when the very Unit applied the same rules at the Sub-Regional and Regional Finals? Why it was not disqualified from the competition from the beginning…?” and Tiendi Heyliger-Campbell echoed similar sentiments. In my view, if she had sung a song extoling the virtues of this regime, the many multi- million dollar contracts granted, and of the many roads that were being built (notwithstanding the unannounced blockage of main access roads), I am SURE that her song would have been “appropriate “.
I haven’t heard any of the songs, but I won’t be surprised if there is at least one that exalts the Government. How can we be so petty!! If we cannot find humor in the realities around us, we will be a bunch of miserable people! Such laughter may even serve to improve the Nation’s mental health at no cost to the National budget.
Sincerely,
Claudia Heywood