A Presidential Plea by George 'Haggai' Alcee

THE FOLLOWING EXCERPT IS COURTESY OF THE FEBRUARY 1990 ISSUE OF LUCIAN KAISO

When calypso shows began in St. Lucia in the 40s at the Old St. Lucia Workers Union Building in Conway, many followers enjoyed the wit and humour of the calypsonians.

The calypsonians during this early period included Lord Scrubb (more popularly known for his contribution to steel), Mighty Session and the Mighty Bonnet.

Though Trinidadian calypsoes dominated the Road March in St. Lucia, in 1955 a hit called the "Flying Cask" was the first local Road March rhythm. But it was also popular for its lyrical content. The song dealt with the disappearance of a cask of rum from the government's warehouse, for which no one accepted responsibility. The second local Road March to be recorded was "Bam in your Bam Bam" in 1956.

In 1958, calypso moved to the Victoria Park. There calypsonians sang from what is now the Cadet Pavillion, while the audience listened from the grounds. Steelband and calypso held joint shows every night of the week preceding the steelband and calypso competitions. During the early 60s, another local song - a kweyol rendition entitled "Tjoke Chat" - was preferred on the road to the Trinidad songs. It was also during this period the Castries Town Hall became headquarters to calypso shows. The shows were then managed by Vernon Warner and Rodinald Decoteau. Calypsonians then included Jackson, Spie, Terra, Pelay and Zandolie. Over the years the trend towards a local Road March tune became stronger. There was still a heavy Trinidadian emphasis in the calypsoes played on the road, but with more air-play for St. Lucian calypso, carnival lovers began looking forward to jumping to local tunes. Calypsonians responded and started composing tunes specially for the road - tunes which could also be played on pan, and later on brass. By then, everyone took it for granted that the annual Road March had to be local. This is one area in which calypso has made great strides.

(Full Text available at the Library at the Folk Research Centre)