Despite the small turnout at the launch of Calypso History Month at the National Library in Port of Spain, September 25, calypsonians Jervae Caesar, Versatile and Contender performed well and convinced the audience that calypso will indeed live on.

Caesar did a stirring performance of his song titled ’Buy Local’. Giving those in the audience something to think about, the young calypsonian encouraged the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago to adopt a ’principle of self-sufficiency’ and not a ’case of dependency’ in order to move forward and get past the financial crisis the country is currently experiencing.

The theme for the month is ’By Calypso Our Stories Are Told’. The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) said it intends to acknowledge the depth of the contributions made by the ancestors who fought to keep calypso alive.

Calypso History Month which starts October 6, focuses on the role that calypso has played in the social and political development of the nation. It also acknowledges the cultural legacy calypso has bestowed on Trinidad and Tobago and the rest of the Caribbean.

Remembering those who have paved the way in calypso, TUCO’s President Eric Taylor also known as the ’Pink Panther’ called for a moment of silence in remembrance of the late Kelvin Pope, The Mighty Duke who passed away some months ago.

Director of the Nalis Heritage Division Joan Osbourne said the preservation of work done by calypsonians then and now is very important. The youths should be able to access and understand the roots of calypso, therefore the knowledge should be available for anyone.

Brother Resistance said, ’We need more calypso in our lives. Calypso History Month is not just looking back at the past but to build and strengthen this music as we once again connect to give a global response.’

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs Junia Regrello said, ’Calypso holds a special place in my heart and I can’t help but wonder what would pan be without calypso and calypso without pan?’

Regrello said that the relationship between pan and calypso appeared to be dwindling and more needs to be done to keep pan and calypso together. Regrello suggested that a few calypsoes should be made into national songs. He said it should become so much a part of Trinidad and Tobago that every man, woman and child who hears the introduction to a song would instantly know the song and who composed it.

This year TUCO will have lectures, workshops, a film festival, school calypso quiz, and exhibitions to celebrate Calypso History Month.

Tribute will be paid to calypsonian Composer on November 3 at the Naparima Bowl, San Fernando.