Ministry of Culture, CDC, stakeholder groups honour Dr Cyrus

Congratulatory messages were overflowing from representatives of the Ministry of Culture, the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) and other stakeholder groups during the welcome reception for Dr. Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus at the Argyle International Airport.

Dr Alston “Becket” Cyrus

Dr. Cyrus received an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies, Five Island campus in Antigua and Barbuda over the weekend, to honour his contribution to the calypso art form in his five-decade career.

During his remarks at the reception Chief Executive Officer of the CDC, Ashford Wood described Becket as a “meticulous” musician, adding that his knowledge and level of professionalism forced the CDC to “lift their game” when staging events.

President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Calypso Association, Earl ‘Caba’ Bennett referred to Dr. Cyrus as a “pioneer” of calypso and trail blazer for young soca artistes.

Ashford Wood

“I was looking for somebody to match up to [Mighty] Sparrow and [Lord] Kitchener and you were that person who represented St. Vincent.”

Former Minister of Culture, Rene Baptiste urged younger soca artistes to pattern themselves after stalwarts like Dr. Cyrus and take the time to develop their craft.

“There are many that are in a hurry and they do not understand that … you do not become Stevie Wonder overnight. You have to be consistent in your performances and professional in your outlook. Right here you have an icon, a legend that you can pattern your career.”

Dr. Cyrus was in the spotlight during a welcome home motorcade which travelled from the Argyle International Airport to his home town of Layou on Monday evening.

The young and the not so young greeted Dr Becket on the streets of Layou.