The Dynamite Calypso Tent of New York held the election for its Executive Committee on Saturday, March 14, 2015. The new executive members are: president – Ainsley Primus; secretary – Raquel Richardson; treasurer – Gailene Windsor; Public relations – John Dougan; committee members – Denis Bowman, Ian Gordon, and Cauldric Forbes.{{more}}

Earlier this year, the Dynamite Calypso Tent held its inaugural annual symposium on Saturday February 7, 2015, in Brooklyn, New York, at the Friends of Crown Heights Education Center. The meeting was well-structured and generated much discussion. The meeting consisted of an opening session and five main sessions. Each session had a lead presenter who spoke for about 10 minutes to introduce the theme of the session. Then a discussion with everyone followed.

Chairperson of the meeting was Gailene Windsor. The meeting was facilitated by Maxwell Haywood.

In his address, president of the Dynamite Calypso Tent, Ainsley Primus, stated that Dynamites recognize the need for change. He stressed that the Dynamite Calypso Tent cannot operate as tents did 20 years ago; hence there is a need for change due to the demands of the younger generation and technological changes. In this context he called for a higher sense of urgency to move the tent forward. He emphasized the need to establish more linkages with the broader community, including organizations, and to inspire people to join and support the tent. He suggested that the tent establish short-term and long-term goals.

In introducing the meeting, Maxwell Haywood briefly explained the significance of the meeting and the importance of the work of the Dynamite Calypso Tent. He identified the objectives of the meeting and the outputs that will emerge from the symposium.

Session 1 focused on the theme: “The history, contributions and achievements of the Dynamite Calypso Tent since it started.” The lead presenter for this Session was John “The Truth” Dougan. Session 2 focused on the theme: “Identify strategies or ways to strengthen the Dynamite Calypso Tent.” The lead presenter for this Session was John Cato. Session 3 focused on the theme: “Creating and building partnerships with other organizations.” The lead presenter was Ainsley Primus. Session 4 focused on the theme: “Existing rules of the Dynamite Calypso Tent.” The lead presenter was Ainsley Primus.

The activities of the 2015 calendar year of the Dynamite Calypso Tent are as follows:

May 15 – Tent Opening; May 29 – Preliminary of the National Calypso Monarch competition; June 13 – BBQ; October 24 – Independence song competition.