Our country’s shame

THE EDITOR: Once again I am requesting the use of your newspaper to express my sentiments in regards to our calypso art form.

This unique form of folk song has through the annals of our history contributed to the development of Trinidad and Tobago. Its impact on students’ values and attitudes must not be ignored or underestimated. From time immemorial, this art form has been the mouthpiece, not only for the lower order of the population, but also for those higher up the order. It is disheartening to see in the land of calypso, soca members of that fraternity together with other stakeholders in that industry for years having to hit the streets in protest requesting more air play for their musical productions.

It is even more shameless when successive governments make promises only to have them broken. The economic value to TT in having more local music played or giving the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation a licnece to operate a radio station is enormous for both the local and foreign exchange markets. Why do we continue to throw out the baby with the bath water? Ladies and gentlemen, allow history to absolve you all.

ELTON  SCANTLEBURY
Belmont