Kalypso Revue facing closure

After 55 years in existence, the Kalypso Revue, once the baby of the late Grandmaster Aldwyn Roberts, also known as the Lord Kitchener, may see itself closing its doors because of a lack of state funding.

Chairman of the Revue, calypsonian Michael “Sugar Aloes” Osuna, during a news conference on Tuesday at the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union headquarters, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain, said they received just $100,000 to hold shows for four weeks.

He pointed out that the Chutney Soca Monarch and Soca Monarch shows each received $1 million for two days. Soca Monarch also received an additional $1.6 million from the National Lotteries Control Board.

Singing his 2006 calypso, Aloes urged Government to, “Do More For Calypso.” He said while he was not saying they had not received funding, they needed an additional $400,000 to carry on for the Carnival season, and would have to close their doors by today if additional funding is not forthcoming.

He said they were not able to open on January 13 and 14, because not everything was in place, and there was also a low turnout, which he blamed on the escalating crime situation and the economic downturn in the country.

“Chutney Soca and Soca Monarch gates are hefty because they are well supported, and they are well buffed with sponsors...we seem to be the beginning of the end.” He said over the years some sponsors have reduced their financial assistance from $50,000 to $7,500.

Dr Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool, a member of the Revue tent, said calypso tents have been a fixture in this country and should not be allowed to die. He said if the culture of the calypso died, the country would continue to fall apart. Calypsonian, Eric “Pink Panther” Taylor said if the tent is forced to close, “It would not be a Revue shame, it would be a Trinidad and Tobago shame.”

Errol Peru, who was Roberts’ former manager, said having died in 2007 and since receiving a posthumous doctorate from the University of the West Indies in 2017, Roberts was supposed to be sleeping peacefully. “Today Kitchener is turning in his grave to know the Revue may be closing its doors,” he said. Peru also called on the corporate community, several of whom Roberts had a great relationship, to come forward and support the Revue.