UK Calypso Monarch visits T&T
President of the Tourism Development Company Limited (TDC) Mr Ernest Littles on Friday received a courtesy visit from the United Kingdom’s reigning Calypso Monarch Akima Paul.
Paul, who won a trip to Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival celebrations as part of her prize package, said she was thrilled to experience a “true Trini Carnival.” “I wanted to show my gratitude for the experience,” Paul said during her visit to the TDC’s Barataria office.
“Trinidad and Tobago is a great country. My stay here has been positive and wonderful, I’ve just had a great time since I arrived,” Paul told Littles who presented her with a gift on behalf of the TDC.
A former National Calypso Monarch of Grenada, and lawyer by profession, Paul won the UK calypso crown with “Passport Love” and “Marrying for one’s Papers” both of which she composed. It was the first time in the history of the competition that a Grenadian has won the title of UK Calypso Monarch.
Admitting that the prize trip to Trinidad Carnival was a major incentive, Paul, who arrived in the country on February 7, said she looked forward to playing mas on Carnival Monday and Tuesday.
Since her arrival, Paul, who is guest performer with the Divas Calypso Cabaret, has also attended several cultural events including the Junior Calypso Monarch Competition, calypso tents and fetes.
“I want to promote the UK calypso music. Trinidad and Tobago is where calypso started but there are quite a few outstations keeping the artform alive; it is not us against Trinidad, but all of us in this together,” she explained.
Scheduled to leave Trinidad on Ash Wednesday, Paul said she is looking forward to further promoting the culture of Trinidad and Tobago and calypso on her return to London.
About Trinidad and Tobago
Known as the Culture Capital of the Southern Caribbean and the Land of Festivals, this vibrant twin island destination is located just off the coast of Venezuela. The energy and manufacturing hub of the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago is also known for stunning biodiversity and as the home of the world’s largest natural asphalt lake, the hemisphere’s oldest protected rainforest and the land of chutney music and steelpan.
PHOTO CAPTION: TDC President and Director of Tourism Mr Ernest Littles presents a copy of the book Trinidad and Tobago Terrific and Tranquil to UK Calypso Monarch Akima Paul.
February 13, 2010
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