A little over a year ago on Tuesday 21 October 2014 a group of calypsonians and calypso enthusiasts concerned about the state of calypso in Anguilla and a determination to bring about improvement, met at the Anguilla Public Library and birthed the Anguilla National Calypso Association (ANCA). Since then the small group ably led by President Rebecca ‘Queen B’ Webster has sought to keep the cause of calypso alive in the minds of Anguillians and residents alike through the Media and by way of a series of activities throughout the year. Madam President is supported quite enthusiastically by her Vice President John ‘Mighty Springer’ Lloyd, Secretary Clemencia ‘De Adjudicator’ Dupie, PRO Jason ‘Gossip’ Lloyd and Treasurer Leon ‘Messenger’ Lake. The Executive members continue to give tirelessly of their time and efforts to ensure the ANCA not only survives but thrives.
A duly registered not-for-profit organization ANCA has had several successes, and has kept its membership informed by way of its quarterly general meetings. ANCA has successfully hosted a raffle the proceeds of which allowed the association to donate to nine (9) member calypsonians US$300 each towards their 2015 recordings usually a very expensive venture. Earlier the ANCA was able to record a Christmas Song featuring the voices of its entire membership. A couple of calypso tents were held leading into Carnival 2015 and the ANCA was also able to engage with the Anguilla Summer Festival Committee for certain features to be put in place for Summer Festival 2015.
It was not all smooth sailing, however, as the ANCA met with some resistance from persons who otherwise should have welcomed the coming together of calypsonians for their betterment.
To commemorate its first year in existence the ANCA is preparing to host the first ever CALYPSO AWARDS CEREMONY and DINNER DANCE on Saturday 21 November at 7:30 at the Anguilla Great House. This auspicious event to be held under the auspices of the Honourable Parliamentary Secretary with responsibility for Culture Mr Cardigan Connor will be hosted by King Beau Beau out of St Maarten and will be headlined by former Calypso Monarch of Trinidad and Tobago Singing Sandra.
This venture is an ambitious undertaking, and will not be possible without the strong support of the general public, the Media, the business sector and the Government of Anguilla. As our motto ‘Moving Calypso Forward’ says ANCA’s aim is to foster the development of the calypso art form at both the junior and senior levels but the ANCA is also well aware that it cannot do this alone; the entire Anguillian community will have to become involved with ANCA as it seeks to elevate this aspect of our cultural expression through its future plans and activities.
– Contributed
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
