Calypso Assc. and CPMA aim to improve the Calypso product

The Saint Lucia Calypso Association (2009) and the Carnival Planning and Management Agency (CPMA) have united forces to ensure that the 2014 Carnival Season realizes a much improved Calypso product. The two parties met yesterday, April 22nd, at the Ministry of Tourism, Heritage and Creative Industries, to discuss several issues which have affected the hosting of Tents, national events and other areas relating to the development of Calypso. One key element in the way forward is a Memorandum of Understanding between the two entities which is expected to clearly articulate the role of each organization and create a better working relationship.Drafts are to be discussed in the next few days and the final document is to be adopted by the second week in May 2014. Chairman of the SLCA (2009), David Jordan, applauded the Ministry of Tourism, Heritage and Creative Industries and the CPMA for facilitating such an important meeting and is confident that the pooling of forces in such a systematic and professional manner augurs well for the future of Calypso.

According to Mr Jordan, the SLCA (2009) executive and members are seeking to remove the barriers to progress in Calypso and the first priority is an improved working relationship with the Government appointed management body. Chairman of the CPMA, Lyndon Arnold, reiterated the need for Carnival stakeholders to play an active role in the execution of all related activities and highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability especially as it relates to the use of Government funds in this difficult economic climate.

He pledged his organization’s support for well organized and approved activities, and requested that Carnival interest groups not paint his newly appointed team with the same brush of resentment as its predecessors.

Director of Carnival, Teddy Francis, was thankful that the parties could make the time to participate in such an amiable level of discourse and was optimistic that the challenges of the past would remain as such. He emphasized the need to be professional in all aspects of planning and production and advised that legal implications be considered at every juncture.

The meeting was chaired by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Heritage and Creative Industries, Donovan Williams, who also expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting and encouraged all parties to collaborate and utilize communication and diplomacy to achieve objectives and deal with matters of concern. Williams advertised his Ministry’s open door policy and invited the SLCA(2009) to submit developmental project proposals which would assist in the . Tent leaders, writers and executive members of the SLCA(2009) were thankful that such an initiative was finally achieved and are all optimistic that the 2014 Calypso season will breathe new life into the art-form

Creativity and Culture at Community Festivals

On Friday April 25^th and Sunday April 27^th the communities of Anse La Raye and Babonneau respectively, will host what is considered a highlight on their cultural calendar of events. From 10:30 a.m. until 8:00p.m., the Community Festivals will showcase the rich traditions and unique customs of Saint Lucian Culture as well as the artistic talents of its people.

The successful staging of the Anse La Raye Community Festival in 2013, has led to an acceptance of the offer in playing host for a second time. Chorale singing, one of the activities the village of Anse La Raye is synonymous with, will be showcased when that community puts on a display of theatre productions at the Anse la Raye Square. The Anse La Raye Village Council has been working with the Cultural Development Foundation in creating the platform for innovative expression and to assist in the cultural advancement of its community folk.

The Charles Cadet Youth Orchestra skilfully demonstrates the successful handing down of knowledge

A revival of steel pan in the street as part of the community cultural expression

A boisterous performance from Youth on Fire Ministry in Anse-La-Raye

 

Kazia Aurelien from the Babonneau Constituency Council, one of the organisers of the event, says “community members have been very receptive to the staging of what will be the first time such an activity will be hosted here. Babonneau is known for its community togetherness and we are looking forward to sharing with Saint Lucians some of the amazing talent the district possesses.” She says plans are moving relatively smoothly for this year’s community festival which will take place on the Catholic Church Grounds. A variety of cultural and creative forms of expression are expected which include poetry, drama, drumming and dance. Afro-centric music is a key highlight of the day’s activity when Belair, Konte and Solo will be featured.

Pre-schoolers take in a community art exhibition

A staple of community arts, the Soufriere Action Theatre

The creative prowess of artists will be on show when individual artists will paint pieces which will subsequently be used to create a collage that will be prominently displayed in a predetermined area of the community. Artists will also engage in the creation of pieces using chalk and charcoal in a sketch-up. Visitors to the community festivals will be invited to vote for their favourite pieces, in the People’s Choice Piece.

The Cultural Development Foundation continues in its efforts to create opportunities to nurture the diverse forms of cultural and artistic expression, that make up the Saint Lucian personality. Community Festivals are one of the activities under the umbrella of the National Arts Festival which serves as an avenue for encouraging that growth.

 

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