I am impressed, says Chairman

The man who has the responsibility of heading the Carnival Development Corporation, CDC, the national body with responsibility for the organisation and promotion of Vincy Mas, Dennis Ambrose, placed his neck on the line when he lead the bold step to move the National Calypso Semi-final from the Victoria Park in Kingstown to one of the rural areas.
As he surveyed all the work that was put in and the type of calypsoes rendered in the first round of the semi-final on the night of Friday 17 June 2011, Ambrose stated in an interview:“I am impressed.”

His was not the only voice of contention. Many others expressed similar sentiments and there were the very few who clamored for more.
From Ambrose's perspective: “I don't think we have it 100% correct but it is working.”
It worked. It was the first time in the history of calypso competition in St Vincent and the Grenadines that the National Calypso Semi-final was staged outside of Kingstown.
Many persons from the Leeward side of the island, and even some from Kingstown, had to manage two transportations. But they made the journey and they were also impressed with the transformation of the La Croix Boxing Plant, the quality of calypsoes and the fact that those present were well behaved.

The occasion had a 'tent atmosphere' and brought back memories of the times when persons attending functions where calysoes were sung, sat, listened and then applauded. They did all that and more on Friday at the semi-final. Some left the comfort of their seats to 'shake-a-leg'.
“I am very much convinced that this is the right move to take the calypso to the people rather than take it to the central location of Kingstown. It's the semi-final; we need to bring new patrons, not just the traditional calypso patrons, and I think bringing it to the people is going to result in perhaps a better attendance for the final and increase support for calypso in general,” Ambrose said.
After many pronouncements that the calypso semi-final would be removed from the Victoria Park some who resisted change made their voices heard and Ambrose said the CDC listened.

“We address the concerns of the calypsonians and the general public. As you know, the CDC is very open.. receptive to criticisms and we try to look at the issues that came forward and we address those issues,” Ambrose said.
Some of the issues had to do with sound and the location of the venue, which is in the heart of the Marriaqua Valley.
“We had a sound check on Thursday (16 June) with one of the bands and they were very comfortable that the acoustics problems could have been resolved. I don't think we have it 100% correct but it is working,” Ambrose said.
He continued: “In terms of the venue. I think it is appropriate. The ambience here tonight..what the CDC has done we have made this Boxing Plant into an entertainment venue. Good, tasteful, décor. The people are very positive. The comments I am hearing here tonight are very, very positive.
We may not have it all right but this is a move in the right direction.”

Ambrose is of the view it may take a very long time before the calypso semi-final is move back to the City in the Victoria park.
“From here on I think we should continue to move the semi-final to different areas of St Vincent.
Every year, we move to a different venue. We have to take the calypso to the people. We should do it on a rotational basis. The next time we could go to Biabou or Georgetown then we could go to Barrouallie or North Leeward . This is how I think we can excite people on the semi final and perhaps giving calypso...breathing some new life into calypso,” Ambrose stated.
“Moving the semi from Kingstown is the best thing that has happened to calypso in a long, long time. The calypsoes are good and as long as they maintain quality, people are going to follow,” one ardent calypso fan stated.
Among those who journeyed to La Croix were the 'calypso die hards: 'Pinchum', Snuffy', John Hinds and Gloria. Some persons were looking for Rawltie.

When the semi-final was over the judges selected the 10 calypsonians who will face Joy C on Dimanche Gras on Sunday 3 July.
'Lord Have Mercy' 'Rejector' 'Sulle' 'Abijah', 'Mystery','Tajho', 'Skarpyon', 'Hero', 'Queen B' and 'Lady Diamond' are the judges' choice for the grand showdown.

10,06.2011 - Story byDuggie "Nose' Joseph