TUCO backs calypso finals move from Dimanche Gras

Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) president Lutalo "Brother Resistance" Masimba says the organisation is maintaining a wait-and-see approach to the National Carnival Commission's (NCC) proposed North Park at Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain.

The NCC has taken a decision to abolish the North Stand and replace it with what they are calling the North Park, to make the space more commercially viable.

Masimba said TUCO has accepted the move in the spirit in which the decision was taken.

“It is a decision taken by the board of the NCC in the context of the actual expenditure for the Carnival,” he said.

“We look at it as a move that is worth trying and we looking forward to see how it would turn out to be.”

Even so, Masimba said it supported Pan Trinbago’s efforts to ensure the North Park would accommodate pan lovers so that their shows can be productive in terms of revenue.

“But in terms of moving forward, I think it is a move that is worth looking at in the context of the expenditure for the Carnival celebrations.”

Masimba said TUCO also welcomed the NCC’s decision to do away with competitions in the Dimanche Gras show, including the popular calypso monarch competition, on Carnival Sunday night. The competition is still in the planning stages, and no decisions have yet been made, especially on prizes.

He said the organisation has long advocated the calypso monarch finals be a stand alone event.

“So, in that sense we don’t have any real problem with it,” he said.

Masimba also said some calypsonians may criticise the idea.

"Of course, there will be those who want to hold tight to the so-called tradition and we respect that and appreciate the pain they might feel where that is concerned.

“But in terms of the best interest of the calypsonian, a stand alone event as the calypso monarch final is the best way forward at this point in time.”