Diaz welcomes ‘Gypsy’

PAN Trinbago President Keith Diaz has welcomed the recent appointment of former culture minister and calypsonian Winston “Gypsy” Peters as National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman.

“Personally speaking, I have no problem with it. He’s a culture person. He’ll be a plus to the NCC,” Diaz said. Asked if Peters could relate to steelpan, Diaz said, “Yes, he’s in culture for a very long time. He always comes on our shows and sings on our shows, like Champs of Steel. So he’s got a good connection with the pan movement.”

Asked what he hoped Peters will bring to the job, Diaz replied, “I hope he brings more awareness of the culture to the NCC.” Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) head Lutalo “Brother Resistance” Masimba keenly welcomed Peters’ appointment.

“We at TUCO are very pleased. It’s always good when there’s an elevation for a calypsonian in terms of the running of the affairs in this country. We are very pleased and wish to congratulate Mr Winston Peters on his appointment.”

Asked what he hoped Peters would do for the calypso fraternity, Masimba replied, “Well I hope he’d bring something to bear on the behalf of the Carnival, the entire Carnival package, not just the calypso community. “We need to really make a difference where our Carnival is reaching in this country. “I hope he will bring that kind of energy to guide the board and make things happen.”