Chin Lee's war on crime
Posted: Tuesday, February 26, 2002
"War on Crime" was the title of the 30-minute address that National Security Minister Howard Chin Lee delivered at the Hilton yesterday. Chin Lee, 35, joked that although his youth was "fast fading" under the rigours of the post it might have helped "me somewhat because I came with no preconceived ideas." He described his "War on Crime" plan as "the most aggressive assualt ever on this affliction in our society" and claimed that it was the result of "a collaborative effort involving exhaustive research and discussions with several knowledgeable people and organisations". The following is an excerpt from the Minister's speech:
"Crime does not exist in a vacuum. It is the product of our society, the carefully planned result of things that have gone wrong. Most of the crime you hear about today is perpetrated by young people and 50 per cent of all criminal acts is drug related. Today's crime is the painful outcome of yesterday's failure to effectively deal with the causation of crime. It is the plaintiff (sic) cry of a nation asking for its real needs to be addressed. MORE
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Rabs Immortelle calls on NCBA to resign
Posted: Monday, February 25, 2002
RABS Immortelle, has been involved in Carnival and other cultural activities over the past 30 years and is calling on the National Carnival Bandleaders Association (NCBA) to resign.
It states: "Congestion continues to be a major problem. The purpose of the rotation of bands is to avoid the bottlenecking, but quite a few of them ignore this as they feel that it is more important to get to the Savannah, and subsequently avoid downtown.
"The Savannah is awash with uncostumed revellers who invade the bands and abuse masqueraders. This is a yearly problem for which neither the NCBA nor the NCC (National Carnival Commission) has had the courage to combat, as it calls for stringent controls.
"The entire festival is devoid of toilet, and running water facilities, to the inconvenience and discomfort of masqueraders, particularly ladies.
"Food shacks decorate the savannah landscape, claiming to be the facilities for selling refreshments to masqueraders.
"The lack of security is growing and forcing bands to take measures to protect their players. The threat is overlapping into all elements of the Carnival including Jouvert and has not been suitably addressed.
"The national instrument, the steelband, has been slowly but surely forced out of the mainstream of the Carnival."
It adds: "The NCBA has not brought to the table any tangible proposals for the commercial exploitation of the mas for the fraternity. The organisation, unlike the steelband movement, has not seen itself in this light and the exploitation of the nation’s cultural expression continues."
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Bring back the old time days
Posted: Monday, February 25, 2002
By Peter Ray Blood
With the hustle and bustle of Carnival 2002 behind us, maybe we can take a little stroll down memory lane. Let's go back to the days when Trinidad and Tobago was a peaceful colony, when the lines of decorum and behaviour were well defined, and children knew their place, and adults assumed the responsibility of being role models, without being paid or appointed to be.
Before proceeding, let me say that portions of this were borrowed from an e-mail message sent by a friend, residing in the United States, but all of it applies to most people around my age and older.
Well, let me think a minute. I was born before polio shots, frozen foods, Xerox, contact lenses, Frisbees and the pill. There was no radar, credit cards, laser beams or ballpoint pens. Man had not invented pantyhose, air conditioners, dishwashers, clothes dryers - the clothes were hung out to dry in the fresh air, or sunned on a chicken wire bleacher - and man hadn't yet walked on the moon. MORE
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Wrestling With An Anaconda
Posted: Sunday, February 24, 2002
By Terry Joseph
You will need to understand the layout of my office, which is really a covered back-porch that allows me a clear view of the street, although passing people cannot see me because of a document-storage unit on my left that goes to chin-height (the top of which is often littered with newspapers, CDs, diary, music books, telephone directory etc).
To the east is a wall that goes up to the ceiling, solid up to shoulder-height, with angled ventilation blocks that offer privacy but faithfully delivers sounds from the recently vacated house next door. MORE
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A Different, not an Incorrect, Way of Speaking
Posted: Sunday, February 24, 2002
By Winford James
The Creole vernacular speech of Trinidad and Tobago is a patterned bona fide way of speaking, but many Trinbagonians, including teachers of English, do not know this. They will tell you that Tobagonians and Trinidadians speak 'dialect' - in fact two different dialects - but what they mean is that it is a substandard, broken version of English. When we speak dialect, so the belief goes, we are speaking Standard English incorrectly and, even though we understand one another perfectly well, our speech is ungrammatical. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The evidence that the Creole is patterned and rule-governed is with us all the time. It is there every time we open our mouths in neighbourly greeting and conversation. It is there in the million-plus limes we have every day of our lives. It is there in calypso, soca, and chutney. It is there in the exchanges in the street, the taxi, the market, the office, the university, the parliament (when we had one!). It was there in full presence in Carnival 2002! We use it as an ineluctable means of daily socialisation, and yet we don't give it the value it deserves. MORE
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Crime and hypocrisy
Posted: Sunday, February 24, 2002
By Donna Yawching
IF ANY proof was needed that our businessmen are just as clueless as our politicians, it surfaced last week at a so-called Round Table meeting. No doubt resplendent in their custom-tailored suits and silk ties, the cream of our entrepreneurial crop solemnly discussed the growing problem of crime, and came up with a solution that said it all: Stop the Carnival. No mas in 2003. Keep all those naughty winer boys at home, and matter fix.
After I’d picked my jaw up off the floor, I could only shake my head in wonder. What planet do these people live on? Had they not noticed that crime was an issue long before Carnival, and that even now, two weeks later, we still seem to be averaging one murder a day, not to mention the run-of the-mill robberies, rapes, etc? What does Carnival have to do with it, besides providing, temporarily, a handy screen for a few extra pickpockets? MORE
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Make parents pay too
Posted: Sunday, February 24, 2002
By Raffique Shah
PRIME Minister Patrick Manning must know by now that his meetings with UNC leader Basdeo Panday in a bid to resolve the electoral crisis are an exercise in futility. Panday will never agree to any reasonable solution to the impasse. Make him Prime Minister tomorrow and he will be happy-like-pappy. There will be no crisis then, no questions about the 18-18 tie, and more than that, no charge that President Robinson erred in law. In other words, once Panday has his way, there is no problem.
In view of the above-and especially now that Panday has declared war in the guise of a civil disobedience campaign against the duly appointed government-Manning should abandon discussions with Panday. He should govern for as long as is practical under the Constitution, which will take him as far as September, and prepare the way for fresh general elections. Forget Panday for the hour, as Trinis say, move swiftly to restore some integrity to the electoral lists, accelerate investigations into allegations of corruption, and get on with the business of governing. Let Panday rant, rave and misbehave to his heart's delight-or demise. And if he crosses the thin red line, lock him up. MORE
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Exposing Panday's arrogance of power
Posted: Sunday, February 24, 2002
By Dr. Kwame Nantambu
One of the most disgraceful and arrogant public actions by a TnT elected official was the overt rejection of the instrument of appointment as leader of the Opposition by Basdeo Panday. This reaction by Panday to President Robinson's constitutional action should warn the citizens of TnT as to the very nature of dictatorship that runs in the blood of the UNC leader.
His reaction is a water shed of monocracy and political hypocrisy in TnT. Indeed, the only goal or objective of Basdoe Panday is to amass political power for his own personal aggrandizement. MORE
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Operation 'same thing all over'
Posted: Friday, February 22, 2002
From: Cindy Williams
EDITOR: As usual it is the same thing all over where the poorer classes of people are concerned. When the Police decides to 'lockdown' and crackdown on certain areas where criminal activity takes place, they cordon off and have free access to these communities and do what they have to do. However when they have to deal with the wealthier classes and to access the arena of 'white collar' crime it is a case of different strokes for different folks, because of the race, class and status and power of the people involved.
How else can one explain the very slow pace of investigations into numerous high profile matters before the DPP, the 'cold storage' of the Lindquist Report for an entire year, the refusal of a search warrant to search the offices of two rich and powerful organizations, and now the refusal by top banks to voluntarily and or legally cooperate with the Police on the said war against crime, that the Chamber of Commerce and other sectors of the society says that the country needs so badly.
To balance the scale of justice, just as the government is putting enormous resources into Operation Anaconda, they should put some of these resources into the DPP Office and the Investigating Departments of the Police Service. They should do so in order to stop giving the impression that 'white collar' crime does not an urgent crackdown and 'lockdown' as the crime along the East West corridor where the Anaconda seems to have set its focus.
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Operation Anaconda and Cocaine
Posted: Friday, February 22, 2002
From Email: RB
Irrespective of politics, you can not solve the crime situation in this country without tackling the drug trade -head on.
Operation Anaconda was launched yesterday (2002/02/20). A contingent of three hundred policemen and soldiers spent the day carrying out raids and searching people and motor vehicles in the Laventille and Morvant area.
Twenty-seven people were held for questioning. Two are held for murder, six for robbery and one was held for possession of a firearm...
I just heard on the five o'clock news that a Venezuelan was held with cocaine in Port of Spain this afternoon, so I will stop here, for now.
###
Coca was indeed the divine leaf. For the people of the Anaconda, the Tukanoan tribes of the Northwest Amazon, coca originated in the belly of the serpent, or alternatively, according to myth, in sacred canoes drawn up the Milk River at the dawn of time. In the high Andes it was the most revered of all plants.
The Inca, unable to cultivate it at the elevation of the imperial capital of Cusco, replicated the plantations in gold and silver, in fields that colored the landscape. Throughout the Andes the use of coca is the purest expression of social, political, and religious life. Distances in the mountains are not measured by miles or kilometers, but rather by the number of coca quids consumed en route. When people meet on the trail they do not shake hands, they exchange leaves. There are entire societies in South America where the cultural ideal is to abstain from sex, eating, and sleeping, and do nothing but take the leaves and chant to the ancestors. Shamen divine the future by reading the leaves, a skill that can only be possessed by one who has survived a lightning strike.
Full text at: http://www.melt2000.com/loudtruth/ethnosphere/articles/0016.html
http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/webprojects2001/straughan/2.htm
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Operation Anaconda: National Crime Plan
Posted: Thursday, February 21, 2002
Extract: Newsday
By Nalinee Seelal
Appropriately named "Operation Anaconda" for the squeeze that it will put on escalating crime in this country, the long awaited National Crime Plan rolled into action early yesterday morning as a convoy of more than 50 vehicles with 300 policemen and soldiers left St James Barracks and throughout the day carried out raids, stopped motor vehicles, searched and frisked people and made their presence felt in areas along the east-west corridor.
Even as "Anaconda" put the squeeze on a largely law abiding public, the Chaguaramas branch of Republic Bank located at Crew's Inn was robbed of $25,000 by a lone, masked gunman, who shot a nearby yachtie John Jeffrey, 79. The gunman's accomplice tried to steal Jeffrey's dinghy for a getaway, but was foiled when Jeffrey put up a struggle in the water with the man. The gunman escaped in a waiting vehicle.
Armed with search warrants Operation Anaconda targetted Laventille and Morvant which were the prime areas of the dragnet, and which yielded 27 people, including one woman, who were held for questioning. The number included two murder suspects, six for robbery and possession of a weapon and bush rum. A gun was seized.
There was traffic congestion on the Western Main Road, Cocorite where cars were stopped and searched.
In a release issued yesterday, Minister of National Security Howard Chin Lee described the joint operation as successful. According to Minister Chin Lee the exercise targetted high crime zones.
Inter-American Commission wants Govt to...
Pay for Joey Ramiah's hanging?
Extract: Newsday
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights wants the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to pay compensation to the family of executed killer Joey Ramiah.
The Commission believes that Ramiah was executed while a petition was pending before it in respect to his conviction (along with Naresh Boodram) for the murders of Anthony "Tooks" Greenidge and Stephen "Bulls" Sandy.
Ramiah, formerly of Frederick Settlement, Caroni, was hanged at the Port-of-Spain State Prison on June 4, 1999, along with Dole Chadee and seven others for the murders of four members of a family at Williamsville on January 10, 1994.
The Commission feels that Ramiah was wrongly executed while a petition was pending on another matter.
Mendes, Daly: Hanging won't lower murders
Extract Guardian
By Robert Clarke
One day after the Business Round Table Forum called for the speedy resumption of hanging, two attorneys have said the suggestion is pointless.
Both Douglas Mendes and Martin Daly SC said yesterday the resumption of hanging will not lower the crime rate in Trinidad and Tobago.
Mendes says T&T's experience has clearly shown that capital punishment does not reduce the murder rate.
"All they are encouraging the Minister to do is distract people," said Mendes.
Daly said the causes of crime in T&T are complex.
"I am not an abolitionist," said Daly, "but the causes of crime in T&T...have to do with the shortsightedness of every government since independence.
"We should be taking a social-scientific approach to the escalation of crime."
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Tubal Uriah 'Buzz' Butler
Posted: Wednesday, February 20, 2002
February 20th 2002, marks the 25th Anniversary of the passing of Tubal Uriah 'Buzz' Butler. Born in Grenada 1897 he died on Carnival Sunday, February 20th 1977.
Butler was a genuine grassroots person who took on the might of Colonial England and the local ruling classes. He came to the forefront in the 1930's in the Trinidad Oil Industry standing up for the rights of the workers, first in the Oilfields and then in the politics of the country.
He was jailed during the course of the Second World War and came out to form a political party which almost secured political power, but was denied from achieving such by an alliance of the Colonial Governor and local politicians.
Butler was associated with the Oilfields Workers Trade Union and his British Empire Citizens and Home Rule Party , but his most memorable efforts was his leading of the June 19th 1937 revolt general strike on behalf of the Trinidadian people, which also had a ripple effect throughout the Caribbean.
June 19th in commemoration of that Butler led event has now been made the public holiday of Labour Day, and although sick and bed ridden in his latter days, he remained defiant to the end. 'Buzz' Butler a true working class hero and a major contributor to modern day Trinidad.
• The Emergence Of Butler
• Butler - Labor leader and politician
• Butler - A leader born to fight
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Down from the balconies but still two Carnivals
Posted: Wednesday, February 20, 2002
by Bukka Rennie
There have always been two Carnivals. Two perspectives from time immemorial to the reign of the so-called Mad Monarch.
There was always the Carnival of the past governors and their entourage, the virtual "kings" and their court, the "citizens of substance", with their grand balls and masquerade parties particularly on "Big Sunday".
And then there was always the "Jammette Carnival", the Carnival of the streets, the Carnival of the ex-slaves and the plebs to whom Carnival was always about parody and portrayal rather than mere masquerade.
At one time the "citizens of substance" would simply observe the going-ons of the masses in the streets on Monday and Tuesday from up on high, the balconies along the streets.
Those balconies to them represented safe distance.
As they grew in confidence of their social control, they came down closer to play their mas' on the back of trucks. MORE
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No more Mr Nice Guy
Posted: Wednesday, February 20, 2002
by Terry Joseph
When last I met Police Commissioner Hilton Guy, he was at his most pleasant, dressed in casuals, strolling the Witco Desperadoes panyard, smiling, waving to spectators, exchanging jokes with players and eventually, giving the Laventille Hill band a pep-talk. Little things mean a lot.
But in the three-week interim since his panyard visit, Mr Guy seems to have discarded all niceties, blasting anyone with the temerity to criticise our police service; some salvos dangling precariously on the fine line between frank comment and sheer arrogance.
When the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (Doma) complained its members weren’t seeing enough of his officers patrolling Port of Spain’s commercial district, Mr Guy's retort cavalierly suggested the complainants were all blind. MORE
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Low self-esteem behind school violence
Posted: Monday, February 18, 2002
While everybody has been complaining about the violence in schools, I have heard no real meaningful solution to the problem. "Zero tolerance", as adopted by the Ministry of Education and TTUTA, is just dealing with the effect and not the cause.
From my experience, the biggest problem facing young people is low self-esteem. The violence and deviant behaviour are simply a means of attracting attention to themselves and a cover/cop-out for the real problems they are facing.
Most of the time, these young people are unable to read, facing some very difficult situation like a broken home, parental neglect/embarrassment and their self-esteem is at its lowest. Added to this, most of them do not see teachers as being really interested in them. They are up there and the students are down there and they are unapproachable.
My solution: Let’s have one big national self-esteem programme involving everybody, because what is happening ultimately affects us all. So let’s involve the students, teachers, parents, the media, NGO/CBOs, the businessmen, the trade union, churches, etc.
This programme should be interactive, allowing people to express their real feelings and not suppress them. Let’s be real and honest about ourselves, for a change. It is the only way we would really know exactly how the people are feeling and then be able to find plausible solutions instead of putting plasters on festering sores.
This self-esteem programme will be designed to change the way people think about themselves and see themselves and will ultimately change their behaviour. It will not only change the violence in the schools, but ultimately the crime situation. The problem is the way people view themselves and the way they think.
ANDRE PAYNE
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Crime And Punishment
Posted: Sunday, February 17, 2002
By Raffique Shah
FOR the umpteenth time in as many years, the seemingly intractable problem of runaway crime has bludgeoned its way to the top of the national agenda. A spate of murders-almost one a day-as well as increasing incidents of serious crimes and a virtual orgy of violence over the Carnival, have once more led to cries of outrage by citizens, and pressure on the government to do something about it. Prime Minister Patrick Manning announced last week that his wife, Education Minister Hazel Manning, and National Security Minister Howard Chin Lee, were working on strategies to combat violence in schools and crime at the national level.
The initiatives of these two ministers will no doubt result in the latest plans for dealing with a crime spiral that began many years ago. People with short memories will forget that Basdeo Panday and the UNC came to power in 1995 on an anti-crime platform. Touting Ramesh Maharaj as potentially the best crime-buster in modern times, Panday vowed to bring crime under control in short time. Six years later, besides hanging members of the Dole Chadee gang (who had been arrested and charged during Manning's stewardship), Panday and Maharaj had achieved little else. MORE
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A Carnival of blood
Posted: Sunday, February 17, 2002
by Donna Yawching
BELIEVE it or not, I missed Carnival. Voluntarily. I did Panorama on the track, and a sweet Jouvert with Phase Two and Invaders, then hopped a plane to Grenada. I did it for family reasons; but from what I've heard, it was a wise move. Carnival seems to have been pretty gruesome this year: three or four corpses, Bloody Monday in Sando, drive-by shootings in Laventille, hospital battle in Mayaro, and enough weapons seized by the police to start an export business. What's going on here?
Maybe my memory mis-serves me; but I don’t recall any Carnival in recent years featuring this much gore. In fact, I've been feeling pretty safe on the streets, even in the proletarian crush of Jouvert. But now, it seems we’re moving back to square one, and I don’t mean that musically. The big question: is this renewed surge of violence merely an unfortunate coincidence–three poor souls in the wrong place at the wrong time; or does it reflect a deeper, and even more unpleasant reality? MORE
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Barbarossa wins 'Band of the Year'
Posted: Saturday, February 16, 2002
By Jada Loutoo Newsday
No one expected it. Not even bandleader Richard Afong whose band "Barbarossa" with its portrayal "Untamed" took home the three major awards this Carnival.
Barbarossa walked away with the 2002 George Bailey Band of the Year Award and the Harold Saldenah and Lil Hart Awards.
Peter Minshall's "Picoplat", a favourite to win the title, placed third behind Masquerade's "And the Rains Came."
"I did not know what to expect. I am emotional right now," Penny Afong said on behalf of her husband, Richard.
The National Carnival Bandleaders Association announced the results yesterday at the Queen's Park Savannah Club House.
Past hat-trick winners Legends failed to win an award this year and the disappointment was seen in the face of bandleader Mike Antoine, who abruptly left the Club House, with companion Juliette de la Bastide, immediately after the results were announced. A bitter sounding Ian Mc Kenzie of Legends, labelled Afong, who is also NCBA chairman, a disgrace to the office and called on him to step down. "He is the one who makes the rules, and he always breaks it," McKenzie said.
Legends' "Nostalgia" and Minshall's "Picoplat" were under investigation for possible breach of rules. However, NCBA officials declined to say if either band was penalised.
"I don't understand what is going on. I am at a lost, but I accept my defeat," McKenzie said, warning that in the future "it would not have any rules where Legends was concerned.
"We are going to be a disciplined band, but we are going to go where we feel," he added.
When Newsday caught Afong at his Woodbrook mas camp, he was busy repairing an aircondition unit and was unaware that his band had won. Responding to McKenzie's call for him to step down as NCBA chairman, Afong dismissed it saying, "It is not up to me to step down. It is up to the people who put me there. He added that he understood the emotions felt when someone else wins, and stressed that he was not too happy with the "animosity among bandleaders."
"I am saddened by confrontation and the aggressiveness in competition."
Other winners included De Boss' "Joy of Spring" in the small band category and Trini Revellers' "Six Days, Seven Nights in Shanghai" in the medium category. Chris Humphrey's "Panorama winners then and now" won in the Jouvert bands category and Traffik, road band for Barbarossa won Best Instrumental.
Kiddies bandleader Rosalind Gabriel won in the big band category again this year with her portrayal "Long time we used tuh."
Vice President of the NCBA, Owen Hinds, called for bigger prizes for the King and Queen of the Bands, including a car and expressed disappointment with the small prize monies given to the winning Band of the Year.
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Kallicharan wins South Band of the Year
Posted: Saturday, February 16, 2002
By Clint Chan Tack Newsday
IVAN KALLICHARAN's "C'est La Vie" copped the 2002 Band of the Year title making it the 12th time that the veteran bandleader has won the coveted crown in the history of Carnival in South Trinidad. The results were released yesterday at San Fernando City Hall. Owen Hinds' "Mururi" and Lionel Jagessar's "Sioux Ceremony" placed second and third respectively. Zainool Mohammed's "Splendour of the Americas" and Black Fox's "A Native American Legend" were the respective winners in the medium and small band categories. D' Blue Boys copped the Jouvert title in the traditional category while D' Image People's "We Gorn Say Lying" and Body Colours' "Sunset" were the respective winners in the modern and earth categories.
When informed of the results at his San Fernando mas camp, Kallicharan said he was a "bit surprised" but pleased that his band won. He stated that he was looking forward to the $83,000 promised by Prime Minister Patrick Manning to the 2002 South Band of the Year. When told that the San Fernando Carnival Committee's cash prize for Band of the Year was $15,000, Kallicharan said: "The Prime Minister is the Prime Minister and whatever he says goes. The Prime Minister said for our 83 years of Carnival, he's going to give us $83,000 for band of the year and he's going to get it from sponsors not from NCC (National Carnival Commission) money. So that's why the City Hall is telling you they know about 15." He stated that while the standard of his band's mas improved from last year, the same could not be said for other bands. "They gone back behind times," Kallicharan said.
The veteran bandleader added that the standard of South Carnival was good overall but expressed disappointment that his band was unable to use the Rienzi Kirton Highway as a Carnival route. He expressed the hope that this would be rectified in 2003. Asked about his future plans, Kallicharan disclosed that he has some ideas on the drawing board but remained tight-lipped as to what those were.
Meanwhile, Jagessar stated that he had some queries about the results which saw him place below Hinds' "Muriri" and would be approaching the SFCC on the matter. He hinted that he may have to review his participation in future Carnivals.
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Legends/Picoplat conflict: Minshall says it was a misunderstanding
Posted: Saturday, February 16, 2002
PETER Minshall's Callaloo Company issued the following statement last night:
There has been some noise in the air about a supposed conflict between our Picoplat mas band and the Legends band led by Mike Antoine and Ian McKenzie and Friends. While we regret any sense of offence that the Legends organisation and band may have felt, we believe that our band acted reasonably and respectfully under the circumstances, and that this is more a misunderstanding than a conflict, and would like calmly to explain the facts of the situation.
Several days before Carnival, Minshall telephoned NCBA Chairman Richard Afong and explained our plan for Picoplat to assemble in the Hollows - simply because the mas would look beautiful in that environment. From this assembly point, it seemed to make most sense to proceed first to the Savannah stage, and we planned to go east around the top of the Savannah to enter the route at the top of Memorial Square. Mr Afong said he saw no problem with this plan, in the belief that at such an early hour few other large bands would be arriving at the Savannah venue.
On Carnival Tuesday Picoplat left the Hollows at about 9:15am, proceeded east around the top of the Savannah, and arrived on Queen's Park East just before Memorial Park by about 9:45am. There, our masqueraders waited patiently for about three hours as Barbarossa and Funtasia proceeded into the Savannah. By about 1pmPicoplat had a space to go forward. At this point, All Stars, Renegades, and a small African mas band came up from behind us, and we paused our band to let them pass in front. Then, with the top of Charlotte Street mainly empty, Picoplat turned west and began to proceed toward the Savannah entrance.
Our first DJ truck and equipment truck were then in the road at the top of Memorial Square heading toward the right turn. At this point, Legends band was lower down on Charlotte Street in the area of the hospital, when they learned that Picoplat was turning toward the Savannah ahead of them from the North. Legends personnel came ahead of their band, up to the top of Memorial Square. They pushed into our band, behind our first two trucks, and formed a wall of their security men with their banner in the roadway in front of Charlie's Roots truck. Probably they were not aware that we had given advance notice of our route, or that our masplayers had been waiting for some four hours.
They protested, and wanted Picoplat to wait and let Legends enter before it. Having waited so long already, we were reluctant to do this. A police sergeant, assisted by other policemen, intervened. Having witnessed Picoplat's long wait, and noting that Legends band had not yet reached the Savannah, the police instructed Picoplat to proceed ahead of Legends. Our Callaloo crew maintained admirable composure, and there were no clashes of a physical nature.
We hope this makes clear that the matter is a minor one. Unfortunately, under the circumstances of the contemporary carnival, it is likely that every mas band will suffer some undesired waits and delays, and we have certainly suffered our share. We respect all the mas bands and participants in the Carnival, and trust that Big Mike and Ian and Friends will, in the post-carnival calm, understand the reasonableness of our band's actions on the road.
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Another Type of Slavery
Posted: Saturday, February 16, 2002
by Kurt Garcia
Surely it must be clear to Father Clyde Harvey and Father Rudy Mohammed by now, that they cannot be free thinkers as they would like us and even themselves to believe, based on the evidence of their recent experiences. By voluntarliy subscribing to Roman Catholicism theology, they would have bought the whole package of that organisation and cannot now escape the consequences of their action.
First Fr. Harvey was shocked and dismayed by the decision to import a 'foreign' Archbishop and now Fr Mohammed apparently believing that he could have used his own individual judgement and common sense on the issue of safe sex among teenagers, is now faced by the spectre of the Catholic Archbishop issuing an apology for his remarks, which surely there is no greater evidence of the absence of free speech in that organization.
The Catholic Church has other issues that it does not tolerate dissent on such as women priests, the rights of priests to marry, abortion, the division between the Eastern and Western Church, liberation theology etc and it moves swiftly against those who seem not to be toeing the Church's line as evidenced with Archbishop Millingo of Zambia and now Fr Mohammed, although they are not as swift as could be to give the names of priests who may have broken US laws to the authorities there as recent media reports indicate.
The RC's carry on with their beliefs inspite of the evidence that surrounds them, when even their very priests are having problems with their beliefs and in several cases worldwide with the law [Boston Archdiocese], such as their leaving the church to marry, having children when they are supposed to be celibate, dying from aids, homosexuality, child molestation, financial impropriety, sexual harassment etc and no doubt are they are faced with problems like every other individual and organization.
The Catholic Church would surely have to undertake some soul searching, prayer and action to deal with some of the problems they face, and it cannot be business as usual. The lack of people wanting to become priest and declining Church membership is not unrelated to the embarassment of Fr Mohammed for his independent thought.
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Carnival is over...and call that george
Posted: Friday, February 15, 2002
By Peter Ray Blood
People who know me well know that I hate to say "I TOLD YOU SO". But, today, I simply can't help myself and ask that you "gimme ah bligh".
Today, I blow my own trumpet for successfully predicting last Saturday not just the winner of the Road March, but the top three placings, in the order they would run.
In horse racing, that is called a Trifecta, and you win big money for such a wager, though considerably more than I've collected from those who felt I was wrong and decided to virtually give me their money.
Well, for those of you with short memories, or were too busy to read last weekend's Pulse, I wrote: "Try as I may, I am resigned to say 'as it was in beginning, so it is in the end' as I feel that my first week pick Naya George's 'Trinidad' has weathered the storm and is in good enough shape to repel all challengers." MORE
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Peter Minshall steals show at Savannah
Posted: Thursday, February 14, 2002
By Allison Ali Newsday
Masman Peter Minshall yesterday received a thunderous applause from the large crowd at the Queen's Park Savannah for his 2002 Carnival presentation, Picoplat.
The crowd waited patiently for Minshall's band which crossed the Savannah stage at around 3 pm. His presentation lasted about 50 minutes.
Minshall who is known for his dramatic presentations did not disappoint the people this year and his band was led by steelpans, tassa drums, and trumpets. The leader of the band crossed the stage on roller blades.
Picoplat was comprised of brightly coloured costumes with heavily sequined headpieces in the shape of a bird's head - the Picoplat. There was no lack of fabric and there were no scantily clad women as Minshall used his imagination and creative talent to bring out "the real mas." All the costumes were designed the same way, but in a variety of colours.
The 3,000 plus masqueraders danced through a sea of confetti which added a colourful setting at the Savannah. However, there was one disappointing aspect to Minshall's presentation, before his band came on stage, the legendary masman requested that his presentation not be taped or filmed by the many visitors that attended the show. Only accredited media were allowed to take pictures of the band.
Barbarossa, another big band, had its eyes on the Band of the Year title and had a dramatic dance presentation before its "Untamed" masqueraders hit the stage.
As usual, the band which was designed by Richard Afong, comprised of heavily sequined bathsuits with lots of feathers. Harts Ltd's "Latin Fire" was warmly received by the crowd because of its touch of Latin in the presentation. Harts was the first band to cross the Savannah stage at 8.15 am.
Wayne Berkeley's band "Masquerade" was also another favorite with his presentation of "And de rains came." There were also traditional Carnival characters, which made their presence felt at the Savannah. The Jab Malassies, Blue Devils, and Indians all had small bands.
Since this year's Carnival was dedicated to King Sailor, there was increase in the number of sailor bands. Mt Hope Connection's "Fire Make the Dragon Dance" was one of the many sailor presentations with dance routines and dramatics.
Panorama champions, Neal and Massy All Stars made an appearance with a sailor band and PNM MP for Tunapuna, Edward Hart was one of the many sailors.
Not to be outdone, BP Renegades Steel Orchestra, which placed seventh in this year's Panorama finals also appeared with a French Sailor band.
Naya George's "Trinidad" seemed to be ahead in the Road March Race with Ronnie Mc Intosh's "Run" close behind and Iwer George's "Gimme a Bligh" fighting for third place.
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Nya George - Road March Champ
Posted: Wednesday, February 13, 2002
Results of the Road March Competition
1. Nya George - "Trinidad" - Played 129 times
2. Iwer George - "Gimme a Bligh" - Played 65 times
3. Ronnie Mc Intosh - "Run" - Played 51 times
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The Carnival is over
Posted: Tuesday, February 12, 2002
by Terry Joseph
While we were consumed by first strains of street-level Jouvert jollification, relatives of the late Grandmaster Kitchener were forced to mix merriment with memoriam as they marked the second anniversary of his death.
Here was a man, dedicated to triggering Carnival dancing, now bringing to the scenario a morose touch for some, even as his work blasted from a powerful music system on Wrightson Road. Mid-morning Monday and revellers, perhaps unaware of the connection, wined wantonly.
Ironically, it was also Kitchener who wrote a stirring love song, lamenting the end of the wining, an ode to Carnival itself, as he marked its passing. Listen to the opening verse and chorus: MORE
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Political picong reigned supreme
Posted: Tuesday, February 12, 2002
JOUVERT IN SOUTH:
By Clint Chan Tack
Political picong, old time Carnival characters and steelband music featured prominently in Jouvert celebrations in San Fernando yesterday morning.
From as early as 4 am, hundreds of revellers, their bodies bathed in mud and paint, gathered at Harris Promenade to see San Fernando Mayor Gerard Ferreira officially welcome the Merry Monarch and kick off Carnival 2002 celebrations in South Trinidad.
Reigning Jouvert champions De Blue Boys showed their competitors that it would not be easy to take the title from them as they unveiled their 2002 offering "Everything Turn Ole Mas" to the judges and spectators.
The United National Congress (UNC), People's National Movement (PNM) and Team Unity all got their fair share of political picong through portrayals such as "Silver Fox Outfoxed", "Bas and Patos sharing power" and "Ramesh Returns to Private Practice".
One of the band's more lively portrayals featured a woman feigning labour pains and then giving birth to 18 babies as part of a satire entitled "Panday Give Birth To Shadow Cabinet".
Jouvert Lovers kept up the political picong with their presentation, "Bacchanal Explosion". Among the portrayals were "Team Unity RIP", "Manning Praises Aloes", "Panday Refuses Post" and "Panday Homeless".
UNC Political Leader Basdeo Panday is expected to move into his new home in Gulf View, La Romaine on Ash Wednesday after he returns from Tobago.
Jouvert Lovers also thrilled the crowd by the use of old time Carnival characters such as Bats, Baby Dolls, Dame Lorraines, Moko Jumbies and Jab Jabs in their ole mas satires.
Though small in size, Battan Rhythm Section sent a clear message on "How To Break The Deadlock" by waving their balisiers and a large banner which read "All We Want Is Six Seats".
In between the ole mas bands, 2002 Pan Trinbago South Central champs TCL Skiffle Bunch turned up at the Promenade to delight those present with a rendition of Preacher's "Dulahin".
With respect to the race for Road March, Naya George's "Trinidad" took an early lead while 3 Canal and Andre Tanker's "Ben Lion" declared its challenge for the coveted crown with a mighty roar from the DJ sound trucks.
Other favourites were Machel Montano's "We Shall Carry On" and Allison Hinds' "Bam Bam".
As the sun came up over the southern city, many of the revellers took the opportunity to catch their breath and get some breakfast. Business was clearly booming for several doubles vendors and makeshift bars.
Closer to midday, several were seen heading for home to get a brief respite before returning to play and take in the afternoon mas.
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Jouvert 'Bombs' explode
Posted: Tuesday, February 12, 2002
by Terry Joseph
FOR some five hours of Jouvert, a steady stream of steelbands crossed the Victoria Square judging point of the Neville Jules "Bomb" competition, bringing delight to hundreds gathered to hear non-calypso tunes played in calypso tempo.
Created by Jules 39 years ago, the inaugural contest was sponsored by the Monte Carlo Club and held at the corner of Park Street and Tragarete Road, a convergence known as "Green Corner".
The Morvant Ebonites won the 1963 competition for its rendition of "Theme From Slaughter on Tenth Avenue", copping the Broadway Cup, which was donated by the West Indian Tobacco Company (Witco). MORE
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Sugar Aloes takes the Crown
Posted: Tuesday, February 12, 2002
By Francis Joseph Newsday
It was truly "jubilation time" at the Queen's Park Savannah early Monday morning as Sugar Aloes made his "contribution" to calypso by winning the 2002 Calypso Monarch title.
After years of trying and reaching close to calypso's top prize, Sugar Aloes has finally landed the spoils. The year 2002 will long be remembered as Sugar Aloes' year as he won everything in which he competed - Calypso Monarch, Calypso King, Best Social Commentary and Best Political Commentary with a total prize package of a Honda Civic and $150,000 in cash.
There was no stopping Aloes this time. There was an air of anticipation that Aloes would be the Calypso Monarch this year. Aloes went into the Dimanche Gras show knowing what history had done to him.
But he was always confident that he would succeed. Aloes enjoyed a great year at the Calypso Revue with "Contribution" and "Jubilation Time".
In the first round, his performance with "Contribution" was an anti-climax. The sold out crowd at the Savannah was waiting for "Jubilation Time". As soon as Aloes appeared on stage in the second round, the thousands went into a frenzy with many waving the balisier. The show was over according to the support which Aloes received from the crowd which included President Arthur NR Robinson and Prime Minister Patrick Manning.
Aloes even had a Mercedes Benz on stage with the registration plate - PBM 1 - and a look-alike Patrick Manning emerging from the vehicle. It was just what the crowd wanted and the judges decided.
When the results were announced, Aloes was swamped by relatives and balisier-waving supporters. The disappointment of previous years were wiped away as Aloes finally received the keys to his Honda Civic.
After the show, Aloes said he was grateful for the support and he was happy that it was all over and that he was proud to be the new Monarch.
Although confident of winning, Aloes said Singing Sandra, Chalkdust and Denyse Plummer had very good second round performances.
Chalkdust, a five-time Calypso Monarch, placed second with "From Naipaul with Shame" and "Ah Lost Roy", while the 2001 Monarch, Denyse Plummer finished third with "No Winners" and "Catharsis". Plummer, dressed as Dame Lorraine in the second round, transformed the Savannah stage into a theatre with moko jumbies and dancers to the tune of "Catharsis".
Singing Sandra, the 1999 Monarch, placed fourth with "Ground Zero" and "National Pride". In the second round, the 2002 Joint Soca Monarch Bunji Garlin appeared on stage as part of Sandra's prop.
In memory of his late father Tedder Eustace, Curtis Eustace walked away with the King of Carnival title with the huge costume "Jab Molassie". Just two months after Tedder's death, Curtis put all behind him as he won the King title for another year. Although the costume was reminiscent of "Tiger Tiger Burning Bright", it was enough to convince the judges that his portrayal was the best of the lot.
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Stop making confusion Ramlogan!
Posted: Monday, February 11, 2002
I have read the press release of Mr Kenneth Lalla, Chairman of the Public Service Commission of January 31, 2002 in which he stated that racial discrimination was not any part of the case of Rajkumar and Seereeram and so racial discrimination was not an issue before the courts.
However, what I read in the press was that Mr Anand Ramlogan's clients, Rajkumar and Seereeram had claimed that they had won cases of racial discrimination which the release pointed out was not so. I think what the press release did was to put the public right.
I have been reading Mr Ramlogan's profuse writing seeking to refute the facts and truth in the press release but he has failed to convince me that his client's had won racial discrimination cases.
Mr Ramlogan has admitted in his articles that racism is a difficult thing to prove since it goes to the mind of the decision maker. How then could one tell who is a racist in the absence of facts?
Mr Ramlogan seems to be running away from the truth of the issue that his clients did not win racial discrimination cases and no amount of writing and explanation can correct the misrepresentation of the truth. In this country there is a lot of race. We see it in politics and elections.
When one government comes into office it fires all the people appointed by the outgoing government. Since the UNC is supported largely by Indians and the PNM by Africans, it cannot be denied that racial discriminations exists in our political system which is a curse on God's people.
If there is racial discrimination in the public service Mr Ramlogan should select the cases and send the facts and evidence to the Police, the Ministries and the Public Service Commission.
Without the evidence as Mr Ramlogan himself admits, it would be difficult for anyone to prove racism whether in the political hiring and firing of people by governments or in the public service.
Our country is in a political gridlock because of the allegations of corruption and although Mr Ramesh Maharaj has been telling the nation that he knows a lot about it he has not yet given any evidence of it to the police. Mr Ramlogan should call for a Bob Lindquist to investigate racism in the public service too.
I would like to remind Mr Ramlogan that we already have enough confusion in this country because everybody wants power, power at any cost and more so at the expense of the people.
ELAINE MARK
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Let the mas begin
Posted: Monday, February 11, 2002
By Charleen Thomas Newsday
It is Jouvert morning and throughout Trinidad and Tobago the streets are expected to be awash with muddied/oily revellers.
The Carnival has begun. Several titles have been won. The only two major ones outstanding are Band of the Year and Road March.
Judging for the latter began at 2 am while the former will begin from 12 noon at all three uptown venues, Queen's Park Savannah, Adam Smith and Victoria Squares.
The National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA) has assured that all systems have been put in place for a smooth parade of the bands today and tomorrow. Tomorrow the parade starts at 8 am promptly at the same three venues.
However of major concern to the NCBA is the issue of crowd control and whether band leaders will stick to the floor plan developed by the association to ensure there are no bottle necks at the major judging venues.
General Manager/Secretary Michael Heath speaking to Newsday yesterday at the NCBA offices at the Savannah, said the association has been ready for sometime, however the major concern for them is the issue of crowd control.
He has appealed to members of the public who are not playing mas to co-operate with the police and NCBA officials at the various judging points so as to avoid problems.
The thousands of costumed revellers who have been getting fit and ready for these two days would want to play their mas minus the hassles of uncostumed spectators getting in their way, he pointed out.
Heath said at Adam Smith and Victoria Squares and the exit of the Savannah there is always worry about how the police will deal with the crowd of onlookers.
He said in the past there has been the experience of eager onlookers getting into the bands and standing in front of judges, when they should be lining the both sides of the road.
Heath said the problem has always been linked to a lack of police officers and police barriers. He said if the NCBA could afford barriers the association would purchase them and properly cordon off the judging venues. But without barriers of their own the NCBA he said has to depend solely on the manpower of the police.
He said most times police on horseback have to "drive" people.
The General Manager stated that at least 46 bands - large, medium, small and mini have been registered for the parade.
The NCBA floor plan for tomorrow stipulates that the large bands go to different judging points rather than go to the Savannah first.
Heath said at the Savannah the Belmont band Boss witzh King Sailor mas is expected to open the parade at 8 am. That presentation he said will be followed by the bands Masquerade, Barbarossa and Trin Revellers.
At Adam Smith Square he said Funtasia will be the first to cross the stage followed by D'Midas, while at Victoria Square it is expected to be Harts, Skandalus and Peter Minshall.
At the downtown venue, where the NCBA encourage bands to also go, defending Band of the Year, Legends is expected to be first to cross the stage. Legends has held the title for the last three years. Heath said Poison has opted to go through St James first and cross the Savannah last.
He said the plan was sent to the bands and the NCBA is hoping that bandleaders follow the guide. Failure by the bands to do so will result in not only chaos but percentage penalties. That is, points will deducted from their score for Band of the Year title.
The parade route remains unchanged. Bands must enter the Savannah from Charlotte Street, exit onto Victoria Avenue, go right on Tragarete Road, left onto Pole Carew Street, left onto Ariapita Avenue past Adam Smith Square, then onto Park Street past Victoria Square, down Richmond Street and unto Independence Square. The bands will then proceed on lower St Vincent Street unto South Quay turning left on Broadway, straight up Frederick Street, right unto Park Street and then left on Charlotte Street.
Tickets to see the parade are quite pricey but Heath insists that it is still "undersold".
For the North Stand, the red section costs $100 while the green section costs $80. In the grand stand the forecourt coloured yellow is priced at $200 and the forecourt coloured blue is $100. Reserved or box seats cost $300. Tickets for Victoria and Adam Smith Square costs $20 for today and $40 tomorrow.
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All Stars - new Panorama champs
Posted: Monday, February 11, 2002
By John Babb Newsday
After being in the Panorama wilderness for the past 15 years Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars, early Sunday morning became Panorama champions 2002, scoring 482 points for their scintillating performance of Winston Scarborough's tune "Fire Storm".
It is the fifth time the band has achieved the crowning glory of pan, the first being in 1973 with the late Kitchener's "Rain-o-Rama".
The Duke Street band led by Beresford Hunte edged out by two points, a pretty strong performance by Phase II Pan Groove, playing the band's own arranger/composer Len Boogsie Sharpe's "Do What You Want".
Last year's champions, Exodus, filled third berth with 473 points for their performance of Pelham Goddard's "Good News".
Two of the top guns in the north - WITCO Desperadoes, playing "Savannah on Fire" and BP Renegades, performing Edwin Ayoung's "Ramona" were pushed into fifth and seventh spots respectively. Despers with 467 points and Renegades with 460. Between the two was Tropical Angel Harps in 6th position with 463 points, playing Anselm Douglas' "Pan Dispute".
The Panorama, as usual, continued in that same old vein - starting late by half hour. It again indicated the need for Pan Trinbago to learn time management. However, overall, the level of pan music by the various competing bands was good reward to the patrons who packed both the Grand Stand and North Stand.
During the event five present and former executive members of Pan Trinbago were honoured by the British Association of Steelbands, through its president, Learie Francis.
Those honoured were Arnim Smith, Owen Serrette and Melville Bryan, all past presidents of Pan Trinbago; Patrick Arnold, the current president, and Richard Forteau for being the longest-serving member of Pan Trinbago's Executive. Back to the music, Despers set the pace with a very spirited performance of the tune "Savannah on Fire" composed by New York-based Anthony "Pra" Trebuse. The band, like many of the others, had done their homework after the semis.
Solo Pan Knights followed with "The Bomb" composed by Robbie Greenidge.
The band that won the hearts of patrons was the Tobago band - Redemption Sound Setters. They indeed rendered "Music for the Soul" for the thousands of patrons who applauded them loudly.
A mediocre Starlift came up with "Dr Mannette" by arranger/composer, Ray Holman. Although well played, it did nothing to move the audience.
The carnival tempo moved to a higher level when the La Romaine band, TCL Skiffle Bunch performed Preacher's "Meh Dulahin". But they paid the price for a fast count. As a result, the tune was racy and had lost much of its musical flavour from what was dished out at the semi-finals. That fast count really cost them.
They placed 10th with 456 points. It was when the bands at Nos 9, 10 and 11 - the "guns" as they are known in pan talk, began to bunch, patrons knew it was going to be a close fight. Indeed it was close.
Phase II seemed to have left nothing undone. At least up to the time they had completed their piece. But when All Stars began to perform, I recalled the good old saying of Renegades arranger, Jit Samaroo. He usually told me, if there is one band that has a cutting edge in a final, it's All Stars. Well, they did not disappoint.
From midway in the tune, my eyes and ears were open for the surprise. The music was clean and crisp and full of tonal resonance. Towards the end of the tune, there it was - the explosion of fire, backed up at the end of the final musical bar, by fireworks.
That was it. The presentation was a holistic one of a fire storm permeating a carnival-type atmosphere among the thousands present. It was all over, bar the shouting.
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Sugar Aloes is Calypso Monarch
Posted: Sunday, February 10, 2002
Results of the Dimanche Gras
Calypso Monarch
1. Sugar Aloes (Michael Osuna) - "Contribution" and "Jubilation Time"
2. Chalkdust (Hollis Liverpool)- "Ah Lost Roy" and "From Naipaul with Shame"
3. Denyse Plummer - "No Winners" and "Catharsis"
4. Singing Sandra (Sandra De Vignes)- "Ground Zero" and "National Pride"
5. Luta (Morel Peters)- "Ah Feeling Shame" and "All Inclusive Party"
6. Skatie (Carlos James)- "Wonders Never Cease" and "Why de doing that"
7. De Fosto (Winston Scraborough)- "The Cries of Africa" and "De Mecca"
8. Heather Mac Intosh - "You Eh Tink" and "Promises"
9. Gypsy (Winston Peters)- "Western Rodeo" and "All Ah We is One"
10. Bomber (Clifton Ryan) - "Mr Unfortunate" and "True True Calypsonian"
Queen of Carnival
1. Alana Ward - Dance De Butterfly
2. Marlene Moraldo - Empress Borte - Wife of Genghis Khan
3. Pamela Gordon - A Sailor's Dream
4. Lee Ann Bailey - Lady of the Flambeaux
5. Jennifer Alexander - Glow - Spiritual Invasion
6. Inez Gould - Oriental Fans
7. Rosemarie Jagessar - Zitkala-Sa -Ritual Dancer
8. Gloria Dallsingh - Celebration
King of Carnival
1. Curtis Eustace - Jab Molassie
2. Geraldo Vieira Jr - Shanghai - a Tunnel of Strength
3. Roland St George - Shadows of the Past - the Dragon Can't Dance
4. Fareid Carvalho - Dance Avoko Dance
5. Theophilus Simmons - An Oriental Invasion
6. Colville Adams - D'Violator
7. Dave Lakhan - Out of the Blues
8 Wade Madray - Dragocerus - Spirit Untamed
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Sugar Aloes goes for gold
Posted: Sunday, February 10, 2002
By Francis Joseph Newsday
Six former winners are in tonight's TUCO National Calypso Monarch finals at the Dimanche Gras Show at the Queen's Park Savannah.
Among the other four finalists is Sugar Aloes, one of the most consistent performers on final night, but who surprisingly has never captured the title.
This year can be considered one of his best - if not the best year for Sugar Aloes.
His two selections have already run away with the awards for Best Social Commentary and Best Political Commentary.
But Sugar Aloes is not counting his chickens before they are hatched. He is taking things one step at a time until the results are announced just after midnight.
Aloes (Michael Osuna) knows about disappointment. He had such a good chance in 1998, but lost the title.
This year is even better for him. Apart from winning the two categories, Aloes won the Calypso King title last Sunday at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya.
Considered the People's Choice in calypso, Aloes goes to the Big Yard tonight with "Contribution" and "Jubilation Time" — a tune which signalled the PNM back in Government after six years in Opposition.
But it may not be easy sailing for Aloes. His fellow Calypso Revue colleague and defending Calypso Monarch Denyse Plummer will be coming out with guns blazing.
Plummer will be performing her first ever political commentary "No Winners" and her ever popular "Catharsis" as she seeks her second consecutive title. Her stage presentation and props will add flavour to her performance.
The other former Monarchs are Bomber, Chalkdust, Gypsy, Luta, and Singing Sandra.
Five-time Calypso Monarch Chalkdust, who was honoured at the beginning of the season, has an excellent chance with "Ah Lost Roy" and "From Naipaul with Shame". Veteran calypsonian Bomber has rolled back the years to be at the Savannah again with his humorous ditty "Mr Unfortunate" and "True True Calypsonian".
Gypsy (Winston Peters) is back at the Big Yard after a one-year absence because of his political commitments. Although he is still a UNC MP, Gypsy returned to Spektakula this season, but it has not been smooth sailing for him. His performances have been marred by the toilet paper brigade.
His two selections are "Western Rodeo" and "All ah we is One" which he launched and which was used as the theme song by the UNC prior to the 2001 general elections.
Singing Sandra, who won the title in 1999, is making a strong bid again. With the most powerful nation-building song "National Pride", Sandra is hoping to score one for the women. Her second selection is "Ground Zero". The other former Monarch is Luta (Morrel Peters). His songs are "Ah feeling Shame" and "All Inclusive Party".
The man who seems capable of creating an upset is Skatie. Singing with the Calypso Revue, Skatie has won raves with "Wonders Never Cease" and "Why he doing That", a song pleading with former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday to leave the PM's residence quietly.....which he has since done.
The order of appearance for the Dimanche Gras finals:
1. Heather Mac Intosh - "You Eh Tink" and "Promises"
2. Sugar Aloes (Michael Osuna) - "Contribution" and "Jubilation Time"
3. Bomber (Clifton Ryan) - "Mr Unfortunate" and "True True Calypsonian"
4. Luta (Morel Peters)- "Ah Feeling Shame" and "All Inclusive Party"
5. De Fosto (Winston Scraborough)- "The Cries of Africa" and "De Mecca"
6. Singing Sandra (Sandra De Vignes)- "Ground Zero" and "National Pride"
7. Denyse Plummer - "No Winners" and "Catharsis"
8. Skatie (Carlos James)- "Wonders Never Cease" and "Why de doing that"
9. Chalkdust (Hollis Liverpool)- "Ah Lost Roy" and "From Naipaul with Shame"
10. Gypsy (Winston Peters)- "Western Rodeo" and "All Ah We is One".
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Iwer, Bunji win Soca Monarch crown
Posted: Sunday, February 10, 2002
By Anna-Lisa Paul Newsday
There can only be one winner, but at Friday night's Carib International Soca Monarch Competition at the Queen's Park Oval, both Bunji Garlin and Iwer George hit the $100,000 jackpot.
Iwer performed at number 16, and as usual whipped the crowd into a frenzy with "Gimme A Bligh" accompanied by an amazing display of fireworks and dancers.
True to form, Iwer also had the "Rachel Price" look-alike, sporting blonde hair, join him on stage during his performance.
Bunji was the last performer as contender number 18, but unlike those who had gone before, the crowd began to chant his name before he appeared.
Fans began climbing over the barricades erected in front of the stage to join their favourite performer.
Bunji's performance seemed to energised the crowd as even persons in the stands took to their feet.
In true Bunji style, he encouraged the crowd to demonstrate who they favoured as the winner, to which came a resounding roar from the crowd.
"Set Them Off" is exactly what Destra Garcia intended to do after she removed her figure-hugging leather suit and revealed a bodysuit, with some strategically placed drawings. Destra placed tenth in the competition, but hardly anyone could forget her outfit.
Six time Soca Monarch Superblue's stage performance included climbing the deejay boxes to the left of the stage, naturally reminiscent of any of his performances.
Denise Belfon's performance was intended to bring out the "Jamette" in both the young and old, as her dancers vied for her attention on stage.
Naya George, brother of Iwer George, performed his mega-hit "Trinidad" and it seemed the entire Oval began responding to his calls.
Naya copped the third place title in the competition.
Newcomers Onika Bostic and Fay Ann-Lyons copped the fourth and fourteenth places respectively.
The night's events went off without a hitch, with a few minor fights during the wee hours of the morning.
However, security officers were seen traversing the crowd in an attempt to maintain order, with the assistance of fire officers.
After the results were announced, Bunji and his supporters had gathered at the side of the stage, undecided as to whether to appear again, as the crowd had began throwing bottles and cans at the stage.
Results of the competition are as follows:
1. Bunji Garlin and Iwer George
3. Naya George
4. Onika Bostic
5. Roger George
6. Rocky and Ghetto Flex
7. Denise Belfon
8. Blaxx
9. Rupee
10. Destra Garcia
11. Superblue
12. Impulse
13. Maximus Dan
14. Fay Ann Lyons
15. Benjai
16. KMC
17. Celtic Invasion
18. Tallpree
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All Stars 2002 Panorama Champs
Posted: Sunday, February 10, 2002
Unofficial Results of Panorama Final 2002
Place - Band - Song - Singer - Arranger - Score
1. T’dad All Stars - Firestorm - De Fosto - Leon 'Smooth' Edwards - 482
2. Phase II - Do What You Want - Natalie Yorke - 'Boogsie' Sharpe - 480
3. Exodus - Good News - Roger George - Pelham Goddard - 473
4. Redemption Sound - Music for the Soul - Hollis Wright - Winston Gordon - 472
5. Witco Desperadoes - Savannah on Fire - Candy Hoyte - Clive Bradley - 467
6. Tropical Angel Harps - Pan Dispute - Steve Sealey - Clarence Morris - 463
7. BP Renegades - Ramona - Crazy - Jit Samaroo - 460
8. Trinmar Hatters - Music for the Soul - Hollis Wright - Earl Brooks - 458
9. Solo Pan Knights - The Bomb - Crazy - Robbie Greenidge - 457
10. TCL Skiffle Bunch - Dulahin - Preacher - Butch Kellman - 456
11. InnCogen Pamberi - Firestorm - De Fosto - Brian Villafana - 455
12. PCS Starlift - Dr Mannette - Scanty - Ray Holman - 453
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All Stars 2002 Panorama Champs
Posted: Sunday, February 10, 2002
Unofficial Results of Panorama Final 2002
Place - Band - Song - Singer - Arranger - Score
1. T’dad All Stars - Firestorm - De Fosto - Leon 'Smooth' Edwards - 482
2. Phase II - Do What You Want - Natalie Yorke - 'Boogsie' Sharpe - 480
3. Exodus - Good News - Roger George - Pelham Goddard - 473
4. Redemption Sound - Music for the Soul - Hollis Wright - Winston Gordon - 472
5. Witco Desperadoes - Savannah on Fire - Candy Hoyte - Clive Bradley - 467
6. Tropical Angel Harps - Pan Dispute - Steve Sealey - Clarence Morris - 463
7. BP Renegades - Ramona - Crazy - Jit Samaroo - 460
8. Trinmar Hatters - Music for the Soul - Hollis Wright - Earl Brooks - 458
9. Solo Pan Knights - The Bomb - Crazy - Robbie Greenidge - 457
10. TCL Skiffle Bunch - Dulahin - Preacher - Butch Kellman - 456
11. InnCogen Pamberi - Firestorm - De Fosto - Brian Villafana - 455
12. PCS Starlift - Dr Mannette - Scanty - Ray Holman - 453
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A Spektakula fiasco
Posted: Sunday, February 10, 2002
By Donna Yawching
"THAT," declared my friend, after it was all over, "was the worst show I’ve ever seen.” I had to agree with her: the "Super Clash" between Spektakula and Kaiso House, held a week ago Saturday at the Jean Pierre Complex, could not have been much worse. To add insult to financial injury, it had also misrepresented itself in its pre-show advertising. The entire fiasco was a perfect example of the way consumers in T&T are constantly being held in contempt-and the way they shut up and take it.
A stadium is not the ideal place for a calypso tent: it lacks the intimacy that defines the tent experience-as opposed to, say, a rock concert. Even so, one would have been willing to make allowances. But there was no excuse for the sound system, or lack thereof, that throughout the night played havoc with the performers’ staunchest efforts. MORE
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The bottom line in Carnival
Posted: Sunday, February 10, 2002
By Raffique Shah
IF anything, it should have happened last year when, in the run-up to Carnival, I was struck down by a pack of "pot hounds" (who let the dogs out?), suffered five fractured ribs, and was forced to miss out on most pre-Carnival activities. I limped my way to the Panorama preliminaries and subsequent pan shows, took in part of J'Ouvert (with friends covering my back, shielding me from bear hugs and flaying elbows), then wondered whether I was well enough to make it to Tuesday evening. I did, thanks to Shadow's "Stranger", the best Road March tune since what? Rudder's "Bahia Girl".
This time around, I've been reflecting on what passes for Trinidad Carnival today, a very pale imitation of the glory years of great lyrics, good music and colourful, imaginative costumes. For many years, traditionalists have warned that we were courting trouble by trying to imitate Rio's internationally infamous sex, skin and samba orgy. But those who understand this descent into hell are not about to rock the bikini boat, what with masquerade being driven by exposed bottoms that make bandleaders' bottom lines bigger. Our music, too, once the strength of the festival, has fallen into a black hole of banality. MORE
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Pan gurus predict best Panorama final in years
Posted: Saturday, February 9, 2002
by Terry Joseph
PAN Trinbago executive member Richard Forteau is among those touting a widely held view that tonight’s National Steelband Panorama final will carve a special space in pan history.
Speaking yesterday to the Express, Forteau said: "I more than suspect we are going to have the best Panorama climax in the history of this competition.
"We have done everything on our end to ensure the patrons are secure and comfortable and I think everyone agrees the orchestras are outdoing themselves with the music this time around.
"It has also been a mix of nostalgia and the future. Public response to judging of the preliminary round in the panyards has been overwhelming and points the way forward and at the same time provided a kind of nostalgia for those who love going to panyards. MORE
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Oh What A Night! Panorama Finals 2002
Posted: Saturday, February 9, 2002
Pan gurus predict best Panorama final in years
By TERRY JOSEPH
PAN Trinbago executive member Richard Forteau is among those touting a widely held view that tonight’s National Steelband Panorama final will carve a special space in pan history.
Speaking yesterday to the Express, Forteau said: “I more than suspect we are going to have the best Panorama climax in the history of this competition.
“We have done everything on our end to ensure the patrons are secure and comfortable and I think everyone agrees the orchestras are outdoing themselves with the music this time around.
“It has also been a mix of nostalgia and the future. Public response to judging of the preliminary round in the panyards has been overwhelming and points the way forward and at the same time provided a kind of nostalgia for those who love going to panyards.
“We anticipate keen competition and systems have been put in place to ensure it runs smoothly,” Forteau said. “The event will begin promptly at 7 p.m., once the Junior Carnival Parade gets done in time for us to clean and prepare the venue.
“As far as seating is concerned, we have instituted very stringent controls on the numbers in each section of the stands and colour-coded the tickets, using red for the Grand Stand boxes, yellow for the forecourt and general admission tickets are blue; at prices of $250, $150 and $100 respectively. It is as much as we can do before showtime,” Forteau said.
And the public seems more than ready for tonight’s joust.
Conversations this past week suggest everyone but the seven-member panel of official adjudicators has already selected a winner.
While conceding so-called “power bands” have no monopoly on what calypsonian David “Happy” Williams calls “The Prize”, pan pundits almost invariably selected one of the past decade’s top three.
But the fact that frontrunner at the national semi-final round, Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars, was not in that triumvirate dilutes (and perhaps dismantles altogether) the top-three theory.
Pan punters are applying all kinds of “capiche” to the situation, some saying the last time Witco Desperadoes performed at position one was 1981, when they emerged victorious with Robert Greenidge’s arrangement of his composition “Musical Volcano”. Despers is again playing in position one tonight.
Others argue that the two-week interim since the semi-final stage allowed bands to do so much work on their selections that an upset could result. In 1998, Arima’s Nu Tones cut through the ten-year stranglehold on the title shared by Desperadoes, BP Renegades and reigning champions, Exodus.
Desperadoes is, well, desperate to win again and for a number of reasons. Firstly for the prestige. Their return to winners’ row in 1999 was after playing second fiddle to Renegades and Nu Tones since 1994 was concomitant with the band’s re-engagement of arranger Clive Bradley.
They repeated the victory in 2000 but lost to Exodus last year. A win tonight would also enhance their record ten victories and not just in sheer numbers, but provide them with a more comfortable distance from nine-time winners Renegades.
Exodus is equally intent on maintaining its position on the top rung. Band manager Ainsworth Mohammed spoke of a special presentation for tonight’s final, using the “Good News” theme taken from their song. Indeed, Exodus has been practising as if it is playing in the last Panorama ever, turning down engagements in pursuit of The Prize.
Because the band was not scored at the semi-final stage (quite unlike other defending champions who merely wished to know their standing at that level of the contest), Exodus remains, literally, an unknown quantity in the present joust, except that the Tunapuna based band’s unquestionable excellence remains intact.
To date, the known quantity is that of the legendary Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars. With the North Zone title already under its belt, a victory it had not tasted since 1981 with Blue Boy’s “Unknown Band”, the band is currently enjoying broad support for its rendition of de Fosto’s “Firestorm”. Already several pan gurus have accorded the Duke Street band victory. Alas, the prophets are not the official judges.
Phase II Pan Groove has been working night and day on Len “Boogsie” Sharpe’s “Do What You Want”, hoping to regain the top spot, a feat last achieved in 1988. InnCogen Pamberi is even more determined to carve its first notch on the coveted prize, as is Owen Serrette’s Solo Pan Knights, whose resident arranger Robert Greenidge copped it twice when he worked for Desperadoes.
Renegades has been drilling its players into a finer version of Crazy’s “Ramona”, with Jit Samaroo spending much time on the band’s mid-section and PCS Starlift, three-time winner of the national title is just as eager to update its 1978 victory.
Each of the three bands in the south/central region, Tropical Angel Harps, zonal winners TCL Group Skiffle Bunch and Trinmar Hatters, would certainly like to be responsible for bringing the title back to that region, breaking a jinx that has beset the zone since Hatters last won in 1975. Tobago’s Redemption Sound Setters is eager to create history by taking the title to the sister isle.
Those then are the theories. Tonight’s judges will deal with the practical.
Order of appearance - Band - Song - Singer - Arranger
1. Witco Desperadoes - Savannah on Fire - Candy Hoyte - Clive Bradley
2. Solo Pan Knights - The Bomb - Crazy - Robbie Greenidge
3. Redemption Sound - Music for the Soul - Hollis Wright - Winston Gordon
4. PCS Starlift - Dr Mannette - Scanty - Ray Holman
5. TCL Skiffle Bunch - Dulahin - Preacher - Butch Kellman
6. BP Renegades - Ramona - Crazy - Jit Samaroo
7. InnCogen Pamberi - Firestorm - De Fosto - Brian Villafana
8. Trinmar Hatters - Music for the Soul - Hollis Wright - Earl Brooks
9. Phase II Pan Groove - Do What You Want - Natalie Yorke - 'Boogsie' Sharpe
10. T’dad All Stars - Firestorm - De Fosto - Leon 'Smooth' Edwards
11. Exodus - Good News - Roger George - Pelham Goddard
12. Tropical Angel Harps - Pan Dispute - Steve Sealey - Clarence Morris
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Sheldon John repeats Extempo feat
Posted: Friday, February 8, 2002
Sheldon John defended both his crown and his clothes on Thursday night in the Queen's Park Savannah and retained his position as Extempo King.
The topic for the two finalists was "Can You Repeat Your Feat". Warding off every attack, John smiled confidently through his performance.
The five rounds of biting picong were were well appreciated by the audience, the smallest in years at the savannah.
The audience was noticeably disturbed when Lady Africa was left out of the finals. Big B failed to make it to the semi-final round of the competition.
In limbo, Corey Burke, the only male in a line-up of nine competitors, emerged victorious. Jameela Neptune placed second and Sue-Ellen St Louis, who did her limbo blind-folded, placed third.
The prize for Best Limbo Group went to North West Laventille.
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Skiffle Bunch wins South/Central Zonal Panorama final
Posted: Friday, February 8, 2002
TCL SKIFFLE Bunch, world steelband champion, emerged winner of this year’s South/Central Zonal Panorama final without even going onstage, beating last year’s winner, Tropical Angel Harps, into second place.
Skiffle Bunch was forced to perform on the cycle track at Skinner Park, San Fernando, on Thursday night because the stage was declared unsafe by fire officials.
The decision to stop the large bands from going onstage was made while Couva Joylanders was performing.
Skiffle Bunch, Petrotrin Deltones and Trinmar Hatters were affected by this decision.
Etson Glasgow, Divisional Fire Officer (South), told the Express yesterday he had advised the organisers to use the stage for the small bands only and had suggested the larger ones perform on the cycle track.
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Patrons upset at South finals
Posted: Friday, February 8, 2002
The night of the Monarchs in Skinner Park, San Fernando on Wednesday turned out to be a disappointment for several patrons, many of whom left the show long before its completion. First of all, angry patrons complained that the show, scheduled to begin at 8 pm, actually kicked off at 9.45 pm. This was due to an electrical difficulty, which was responsible for several glitches throughout the show, San Fernando Mayor Gerard Ferreira explained.
"What happened is that the main electrical supply feeding the entire sound system was under a cover in front of the stage. People were dancing on it and this caused the wire to cut," he said. Ferreira, who is also the Chairman of the San Fernando Carnival Committee said that the other electrical glitches throughout the show were caused by this problem. At 9.40 patrons began clapping expressing their disgust with the delay.
Moments later the lights were back on and traditional mas characters officially opened the programme. According to the programme, the first round of the calypso competition was next, but the sound system was not ready, and instead the eight Queens of the Band took the stage.
When the eight calypsonians performed, absent was last year's champion Rikki Jai. There were 14 Kings of the band.
Calypsoian Raymond Patrick, known as "Patches" in the music arena was dubbed South Calypso Monarch with his winning renditions of "A Tribute to Sparrow" and "Millennium Blues". Portraying the costume Sitkala-Sa was Rose Marie Jaggesar who brought home the South Queen of the Band title to band leader Lionel Jaggesar.
The King of the Band title went to Fireworks Promotion for the innovative costume "Nocturnos - protector of Darkness" portrayed by Leroy Prieto.
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International Soca Monarch competition
Posted: Friday, February 8, 2002
The following is the order of appearance for tonight's (Fri)
1. Benjai
2. Destra Garcia
3. Rupee
4. Maximus Dan
5. Celtic Invasion
6. Impulse
7. Fay Ann Lyons
8. Tallpree
9. Naya George
10.Rocky and Ghetto Flex
11.KMC
12.Blaxx
13.Onika Bostic
14.Denise Belfon
15.Roger George
16.Iwer George
17.Superblue
18.Bunji Garlin
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Couva crowns new Calypso Monarch
Posted: Friday, February 8, 2002
A NEW Couva Calypso Monarch was crowned on Wednesday night.
The title went to Sharon Harvey whose melodious rendition of "Love is the Answer", won her the main prize.
She beat last year's champion, Kizzie Ruiz, who sang "One Hate," into second place.
A large crowd witnessed the show which got off to a late start at 10.15 pm due to an electrical breakdown. Third was Raymond Ellis with "Fight de Good Fight".
In the Junior Calypso competition Janelle Roberts, captured the crown with her rendition of "Old Time Days". Tied for second were Othilda Jones (Too Young To Worry) and Josanne James (It Cannot Be Over).
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Masman asks: Why Eustace not disqualified?
Posted: Friday, February 8, 2002
By Kristel Mohammed Newsday
A MASMAN is questioning the decision by National Carnival Bands Association Chairman (NCBA) Richard Afong to "accommodate rather than disqualify" Curtis Eustace's "Jab Molassie" from the Carnival King competition.
Historian and masman Ken Sheppard explained that 24 bandleaders had signed a petition disagreeing with Afong's move.
According to the rules established by the NCBA, costumes must not exceed 18 ft in height, 18 ft in width and 25 ft in length and depth. However, in the preliminaries of the King contest on Tuesday, Eustace's costume, a circular framed costume which expanded the width of the stage, was well tapered at the back.
Sheppard said after the first King show, a meeting was called with all bandleaders but only 11 were present, all from the Port-of-Spain area.
Sheppard asked: "Why did Afong change that particular rule and not any of the others?
"The argument is that if it were another bandleader, he would have been disqualified."
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Sugar Aloes sings second at Dimanche Gras
Posted: Friday, February 8, 2002
By F Joseph Newsday
Will it be lucky seven for Denyse Plummer when she defends the National Calypso Monarch title at the Dimanche Gras show at the Queen's Park Savannah on Sunday? Or will it be Sugar Aloes who bats at number two? Can the UNC MP and former Junior Culture Minister Winston "Gypsy" Peters win the title for a second time from the last position?
As the battle heats up for what must be the most closely contested calypso battle in years, the finalists pulled for singing positions at TTT yesterday.
Plummer, who won the title last year with "Heroes" and "Nah Leaving", will return to the Big Yard with two Christophe Grant compositions, "No Winners" and "Catharsis".
Plummer won the Calypso Queen title last Sunday with a superb performance of "Catharsis". With the assistance of moko jumbies and 16 dancing children, Plummer stole the crown from Singing Sandra, who up to that point leading the pack.
Sugar Aloes (Michael Osouna) has been having a good season with his bumper selections "Contribution" and "Jubilation Time" which have already won him the Best Social Commentary and Best Political Commentary titles.
Aloes also walked away with the Calypso King title last Sunday and has been earning a lot of encores at the Calypso Revue.
Five-time Calypso Monarch Chalkdust will sing at number nine. His two selections are "Ah Lost Roy" and "From Naipaul with Shame".
Veteran calypsonian Bomber has rolled back the years to be at the Savannah again with his humorous ditty "Mr Unfortunate" and "True True Calypsonian".
Heather Mac Intosh, who won the NWAC Calypso Queen title last month, will open proceedings with "You eh Tink" and "Promises", two political commentaries.
Gypsy, who has been having a difficult time coping with the toilet paper brigade, beat all odds to be in the grand finals. After an absence of one year because of political commitments, Gypsy will perform "Western Rodeo" and "All ah we is One."
But the man who seems capable of creating an upset is Skatie. Singing with the Calypso Revue, Skatie has won raves with "Wonders Never Cease" and "Why he doing That", a song pleading with former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday to leave quietly.
Singing Sandra, who placed second in the Queen competition will perform at number 6 with her two selections, "Ground Zero" and "National Pride".
The order of appearance for the Dimanche Gras finals:
1. Heather Mac Intosh
2. Sugar Aloes
3. Bomber
4. Luta
5. De Fosto
6. Singing Sandra
7. Denyse Plummer
8. Skatie
9. Chalkdust
10. Gypsy.
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TIDCO launches 'Carnival on de Net'
Posted: Wednesday, February 6, 2002
The Tourism and Industrial Development Company (TIDCO) will launch its "Carnival on De Net 2002" project today.
Minister of Tourism and Culture Eudine Job-Davis will officially launch it at TIDCO's Boardroom on Phillips Street at 11 am. According to TIDCO, this year's Internet coverage focusses on the persons who work behind the scenes to bring Carnival to the masses, as well as children's participation in Carnival.
A special feature of the site this year will be the availability of technology to transmit video footage.
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It's an exercise about objective analysis, really
Posted: Wednesday, February 6, 2002
by Bukka Rennie
The purpose of governance is to provide an environment that facilitates the continuous and ongoing social development of a country and its people.
Such a purpose requires constant questioning and challenging of all assumptions, past and present, in the interest of ferreting out and advocating particular "policies" and specific "strategies" relevant to the pursuit of ongoing socio-economic development.
The economic planning, and all the industrial, manufacturing and/or agricultural activities that are derived therefrom, comprise the base or the sub-structure of the society, while the politics and culture make up the super-structure of society. MORE
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Now is time for solutions - not politics
Posted: Wednesday, February 6, 2002
by Percy Cezair
It must certainly have occurred to the leaders of both the PNM and the UNC that there is absolutely no enthusiasm or consensus in the country for another election anytime soon.
And that the pressing problems which confront the people are expected to be solved by agreement.
There could hardly be any dispute as to what these problems are. The fractured Crowne Plaza agreement was a beginning.
The year 1986 was the last occasion when a political party, the NAR, was able to govern effectively with enough seats to make a difference. MORE
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A Treatise on Euro-Colonialism
Posted: Wednesday, February 6, 2002
An analysis by
Dr. Kwame Nantambu
Now that we have analyzed and decoded the operational aspects of Euro-Roman religious supremacy in TnT, it seems appropriate to analyse and decode the operational aspects of its companion in crime, namely, European Colonialism.
The study of world history within the Euro-ethnocentric perspective focused on three things: First, history or HIS-STORY was the study of Europe's past which emphasized British history in England, French history in France, Spanish history in Spain, etc.
Second, history was elitist, that is, it was concerned only with those who governed countries (European colonizers), won battles and world wars, invented, discovered and innovated things. MORE
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Full results of weekend's major calypso competitions
Posted: Tuesday, February 5, 2002
NATIONAL CALYPSO KING
1. Sugar Aloes
2. Skatie
3. Chalkdust
4. De Fosto
5. Gypsy
6. Luta
7. Bomber
8. Devon Seale
9. Brother Valentino
10. Roger George
11. Mystic Prowler
12. Mighty Duke
NATIONAL CALYPSO QUEEN
1. Denyse Plummer
2. Singing Sandra
3. Heather MacIntosh
4. Kizzy Ruiz
5. Maria Bhola
6. Singing Sonia
7. Monique Hector
8. Golden
9. Lady Wonder
10. Muga Gill
HUMOUROUS MONARCH
1. Myron B
2. Lil Jean
3. Bomber
4. Toni
5. Breed
6. Funny
7. Charlo
8. Brown Boy
9. Brother Ebony
10. Super Lou
11. Ninja
12. Joel Parsons
SOCIAL COMMENTARY MONARCH
1. Sugar Aloes
2. Singing Sandra
3. Chalkdust
4. Devon Seale
5. Eunice Peters
6. Anthony Johnson
7. Duke
8. Gypsy
9. Heather MacIntosh
10. Bodyguard
11. Sean Daniel
12. Kassman
POLITICAL COMMENTARY MONARCH
1. Sugar Aloes
2. Devon Seale
3. Chalkdust
4. Skatie
5. All Rounder
6. Heather MacIntosh
7. Luta
8. Golden
9. Kizzy Ruiz
10. Protector
11. Trinidad Rio
12. Axeback
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Aloes crowned National Calypso King
Posted: Tuesday, February 5, 2002
Newsday
Sugar Aloes (Michael Osouna) collected three major calypso titles over the weekend when he was crowned National Calypso King and won two of the three categories at stake in Calypso Fiesta 2002.
The veteran calypsonian, best known for his hard hitting political commentaries, beat a field of 12 contestants at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya, on Sunday evening to grab the National Calypso King title.
The day before, at the new-look Calypso Fiesta at Skinner Park, San Fernando, Aloes won the Social Commentary and Political Commentary categories.
Other winners over the weekend were Denyse Plummer, who retained her National Calypso Queen title, and Myron B who won the Humourous category at Calypso Fiesta.
The newly crowned Calypso King and Queen will now go on to do battle, along with eight other contenders, in the National Calypso Monarch finals at Dimanche Gras on Carnival Sunday night at the Queen's Park Savannah.
The names of the finalists were released yesterday by the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians' Organisation (TUCO). There are four former Monarchs and the defending champion in the line-up.
The finalists are Singing Sandra (Sandra Des Vignes), Skatie (Carlos James), Chalkdust (Hollis Liverpool), Heather MacIntosh, Sugar Aloes (Michael Osouna), Luta (Morel Peters), Gypsy (Winston Peters), Bomber (Clifton Ryan) and De Fosto (Winston Scarborough).
The reserves are Devon Seales and Kizzy Ruiz.
Full results of weekend's major calypso competitions
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Toco girl retains Junior Calypso title
Posted: Tuesday, February 5, 2002
Patrice does it again: Toco girl retains Sunshine Snacks Junior Calypso title;
TOCO COMPOSITE student Patrice Roberts, 16, retained the Sunshine Snacks Junior Calypso Monarch title with a powerful performance of "AIDS Education".
Her victory came in a tough contest among the 14 competitors ranging in ages from eight to 18.
The show at the Queen's Park Savannah ran smoothly, with contestants performing songs with strong lyrical content on topics ranging from abstinence, honouring our cultural heroes to the changing society and AIDS.
In second place was Olantunji Yearwood of Trinity College with "Little Mickey" and third place went to nine year old Karissa Joseph of Tunapuna Girls RC who sang "A Little Joy."
Guest artistes included the 1988 Junior Calypso Monarch Roger George of the band Xtatik, five time Junior Monarch winner from St Maarten and current London Junior Monarch, Celeste Alexander.
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Blows for Gypsy and UNC at Calypso Fiesta
Posted: Monday, February 4, 2002
By Clint Chan Tack
Winston 'Gypsy' Peters and the United National Congress (UNC) came in for heavy blows yesterday at the revamped Calypso Fiesta at Skinner Park, San Fernando.
The UNC Ortoire/Mayaro MP kicked off the show, which began around noon, with his "Western Rodeo" social commentary piece and received the traditional toilet paper treatment from "Joanie and her Toilet Paper Brigade" who had gathered in full force at the foot of the stage hours before in anticipation of Gypsy's performance.
Throughout his performance, they hurled insults at Peters and one woman even held a filled bookbag aloft to taunt Gypsy. As he finished his song, Gypsy thanked the crowd, which continued to either jeer or ignore him, and retired to his backstage dressing room.
The departure of Gypsy from centre stage saw no toilet paper treatment for the other participants and several of them condemned former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday and the UNC.
Complete with an airbrush portrait of Panday being held by the Grim Reaper who stood between an African and an Indian dancer, calypsonian Golden lambasted the UNC for landing Trinidad and Tobago in its present political predicament and warned that "Judgement Day" was at hand.
"Do you want this man?" she asked the crowd, pointing to the picture and the crowd shouted "no!". Michael Leggerton (Protector) was equally stinging in his condemnation of the UNC in his "Something Have to Happen for Something to Happen". Breed's controversial "Run Nigga Run" song made him a favorite with the Skinner Park posse and kept up the musical offensive against the UNC. Kizzy Ruiz appealed to the nation's politicians to advocate One Love instead of "One Hate".
Lil Jean's "Big Time Chef" had the crowd eating out of the palm of her hands. Former Calypso Monarch Singing Sandra wore a dress infused with the national colours of Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica to lament the domination of reggae and dancehall music over the airwaves and appeal for "National Pride".
During the half-time intermission, the Original De Fosto, Sanell Dempster, and Iwer George kept the crowd entertained with some high energy performances. Despite all the activity going on around him, Sugar Aloes chose to construct a makeshift bed under the stage to escape the sweltering heat and rest up for his second half performance.
At the end of his song "Jubilation Time", Sugar Aloes had the balisier waving crowd in a frenzy and brought out a beaming Prime Minister Patrick Manning from the crowd to congratulate him.
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Lucas stays out pan kaiso race
Posted: Monday, February 4, 2002
by Terry Joseph
Come tomorrow night, reigning Pan Kaiso Monarch, Colin Lucas will not be defending his title at the competition final, citing pressure of work as the reason he was not able to write a single calypso for this season.
The final, which takes place at the St James Amphitheatre from 8 p.m. pits 12 aspirants for the $50,000 first prize, among them five women. Natalie Yorke sings the Len "Boogsie" Sharpe/Anthony "Lexo" Alexis' "Do What You Want", the song being performed by Phase II Pan Groove, Candy Hoyte's "Savannah on Fire" (by Anthony "Pra" Tribuce/Alvin Daniell) which is the choice of the Witco Desperadoes, Eunice Peters' "Colours", Princess Monique and Golden.
The second placed contestant will receive $25,000, third $15,000, fourth $10,000 and fifth $5,000, while sixth to 12th places will each receive $3,500.
Lucas, who is by day general manager of the Port Authority, said he was bogged down by the demands of his job, working at least six days per week and many of them well into the night.
"I actually have not written a single song for the past 12 months, although I often thought up concepts and even the music came, but the work involved in putting together a good song is not something one does on the way to the shower. It takes the kind of time I simply could not afford," Lucas said.
He plans to attend the show but that too will depend on his workload tomorrow.
Guest stars Mavis John and Duvonne Stewart will entertain while the judges deliberate.
Order of appearance:
1. Roger George, 2. Eunice Peters, 3. De Fosto, 4. Oba, 5. Steve Sealy, 6. Natalie Yorke, 7. Candy Hoyte, 8. David "Happy" Williams, 9. Golden, 10. Skatie, 11. Hollis Wright, 12. Princess Monique
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Panyard Vibrations 2002
Posted: Sunday, February 3, 2002
by Terry Joseph
Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove and Woodbrook Playboyz will on Monday night kick off this year’s edition of Panyard Vibrations, with a full-length concert at Phase II’s Hamilton Street panyard.
On Tuesday night, BP Renegades holds the spotlight at their Upper Charlotte Street home. The concerts, which begin promptly at 8.30 pm and run for two hours each night, will feature the bands’ entire Carnival 2002 repertoire.
Pan music lovers can hear each band perform its Jouvert morning Bomb, Panorama music, Vintage Calypso piece, Pan in the 21st Century and Pan Mas tunes, along with selected songs from their celebrated repertoires.
In order to host an increased number of patrons, Panyard Vibrations 2002 has brought in expensive closed-circuit television technology to service crowds that may not be able to get near the bands.
Thankfully, Scotiabank, Tidco, BP and Pan Trinbago have given this year’s Panyard Vibrations project the opportunity to reach more steelband music fans, by underwriting the cost of two massive screens, television cameras, projection and audio equipment that will bring images and sound to locations outside the panyards.
The screens, measuring five metres square are being supplied by Peter Scoon’s Media 21, a firm with an established track record in providing enhanced lighting, sound and closed-circuit television.
Last night, a final round of site meetings were held with Media 21, band managers and arrangers and all systems are in place for tomorrow night’s opening concert. Phase II Pan Groove has also reconfigured the layout of its instruments to allow even more space for visitors.
Outside the panyard, the screen will be mounted on the upper level of Hamilton Street, so those who cannot get within touching distance of the band will not be robbed of the sight and sound of Phase II Pan Groove and Woodbrook Playboyz.
At both the Phase II and Renegades panyards, T-shirts featuring the band’s Panorama designs and of course, food and drink will be on sale.
As usual, Panyard Vibrations concerts will begin punctually.
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Half truth and lies
Posted: Sunday, February 3, 2002
By Raffique Shah
THE Unemployment Relief Programme (URP) in its many incarnation—from Special Works to ETP—has been a razor-sharp, double-edged cutlass that inflicted incurable social wounds on both the governments that spawned it, and the people who were meant to benefit from it. Some 40 years ago, the then prime minister, Dr Eric Williams, introduced it as a means of stemming the tide of violence among the urban unemployed. Since then, no government has had the guts, far less the vision, to either eliminate it, or to transform it into a vehicle for rescuing the wretched of this country from a state of persistent poverty.
Instead, much the way it was when the programme first began, the URP serves as a stomping ground for "badjohns" and criminals. Politicians seem to be mortally afraid of these characters who have taken charge of the programme, whatever government is in power. MORE
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Carnival musings
Posted: Sunday, February 3, 2002
By Donna Yawching
IN RECENT weeks, I've written about nothing but politics. But now, Carnival is upon us, and in this place, at this time, politicians must inevitably take a back seat—despite the fact that our so-called leaders are giving new meaning to the term "ole mas": if Mr Manning swells up any more with smug self-satisfaction, he's liable to explode like a puffer fish pricked with a pin; and if Mr Panday becomes any more feral, he risks giving himself rabies. Just for today, let's ignore them both.
As usual, Carnival issues run the gamut from the ridiculous to the sublime. An example of the former is the Rachel Price/Iwer George face-off: two riff-raff entertainers insulting each other—does this really qualify as news? Bluntly speaking, they're both right: Rachel is fat and Iwer is talentless; so what? They both make money from their shortcomings; isn't that what counts? Why all the passion? On the other hand, the audiences are hugely entertained as they make spectacles of themselves, so perhaps this is a plus. MORE
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