SVGCA pays homage to two deceased calypsonians

President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Calypso Association (SVGCA) Earl “Caba” Bennett has paid homage to two deceased calypsonians and is putting in place a mechanism to ensure that other calypsonians are recognized while alive.Bennett spoke about the contribution of Olsen “Caribbean Pete” Peters and Ralph “Struggler” Richards last Tuesday during a press briefing of the SVGCA.

He said that Peters made a significant contribution to the artform, having won competitions in 1953, 1958, 1962 and 1963. “He was an educator, historian, teacher and musician and I have been advised that he was the number one trumpeter,” said Bennett.

The SVGCA boss also noted the contributions of Richards to the artform, saying he was a stalwart member of the On Tour Calypso tent.Bennett said both men contributed “in no short way” to calypso in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and that it was a pity that they were not honoured before they died.

Both man passed away earlier this year.Bennett said gratitude, reward and respect must be given to calypsonians and as a result the SVGCA is trying to put a mechanism in place to reward persons associated with calypso when they are alive.

“I have always been one to have persons who contribute in high regard,” said Bennett who stressed that it is important to honour persons when they are alive.

He said many calypsonians, arrangers, administrators, sponsors and other stakeholders will soon be honoured and recognised for what they have given to the artform.

Bennett said that while the decision on who will be honoured will be made by a committee, persons deserving of mention include Kenneth “Vibrating Scakes” Alleyne, Errol “D Man Age” Rose and Robert ‘Patches’ Knights-King.

He said that these men have been in the business for about 42 years.

“We are looking forward to doing that so look forward to us rewarding persons. We need to say thanks and express gratitude,” said Bennett who noted that fans and judges will also be recognized and rewarded.

“We have to show people that we appreciate them,” stressed Bennett.