The passing of veteran calypsonian Brother Valentino has reignited calls for greater support for artistes, with the Ministry of Culture and Community Development and the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) exploring measures to improve their financial security and preserve their legacy into their later years.
Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin says discussions are ongoing with TUCO on initiatives aimed at improving the long-term welfare of calypsonians, particularly as many artistes face financial challenges after dedicating their lives to the artform.
“I think it has to be some sort of a contribution that they could take care of themselves in their golden days. So, as I can tell you, I had a conversation with TUCO. There are different conversations with regards to insurances, their life funds. So the conversation is happening, but it is going to be an approach and two-fold with regards to the Government and TUCO involved.”
The Minister said the matter is before Cabinet and forms part of efforts to recognise and support the pioneers whose contributions have helped shape and preserve T&T’s cultural identity.
“I could tell you that I’m working on it, and the commitment of the Ministry and the Government is there to put something substantial in place that our artistes, our legend, the shoulders on which our culture fraternity stands on that they could benefit from.”
TUCO President Ainsley King echoed those sentiments.
“A lot of concerns have been here for years, and I think the time has come for us to fix things, finally fix things and put things in a place where our culture could stand firm and stand strong and continue being a big projection to the world.”
He said TUCO is committed to creating a more supportive environment for calypsonians and addressing longstanding concerns within the fraternity.
“TUCO is definitely working and looking at dealing with things, finally, to make sure that calypso stands out and the calypsonians could finally get what they should be having. We realise too that if you notice for years it’s like there’s a big dissatisfaction. There will be satisfaction.”
The comments follow the passing of veteran calypsonian Brother Valentino, who was laid to rest on Thursday, and the death of the Mighty Sparrow in September.