No money for Calypso History Month

October is Calypso History Month but calypsonians in Tobago are not participating in any celebrations with Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) Tobago president, Ainsley King, saying the organisation is facing financial constraints and is saving its funds for Carnival 2018 activities.

Declining to state TUCO Tobago’s yearly allocation, King said he wanted to see e the organisation weaned off its dependence on Government funding.

“Over the years we have seen a deterioration of the relationship with the Festivals Commission where there is no harmony and proper arrangement and is has not been encouraging,” he said in a telephone interview on Monday.

“We realise from the get go, the authorities which is the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) for TUCO Tobago, declared there is no money. We have also seen deterioration with efforts to promote calypso in Tobago so our plans right now are pointing towards focusing on Carnival next year.

“There were times we would have done exhibition and two weeks of activity and Vintage Calypso Monarch, which cost over $100,000. When the celebrations first started, everybody was on board and things ran smoothly in the way it should happen. Our budget was approximately $250,000. Then, whatever we were able to do we used to do, even if it meant locating the funds but it really won’t make any sense for this year.”

King said TUCO Tobago attempted to raise funds to continue its operations, but the money earned through fundraising has never been sufficient. He said this is the first year in two years TUCO Tobago decided not to celebrate the Calypso History Month.

“If we try to do anything now, what it will lead to is us getting into financial difficulties. We tried cutting down to facilitate something and it has left us in a situation where we had no money to close off expenses for the following Carnival,” he said.

“Trinidad TUCO also has some issues because things are not the same with financial aid but they are trying to push the events despite the strain. Over the years the government has given their subvention and people benefitted from it but now things are changing, and we have to understand this reality… the way the economy is heading we should become more resourceful if we want to continue the artform that many claim to love so much,” he added.

Still King doesn’t think the current economic downturn would have a negative impact on the future of calypso in Tobago.

“What will happen is that there will be a drastic change stepping in. If young people and existing calypsonians want to continue or enter the calypso realm, they need to make sure they really love the art,” he said.