By: Precious Mills
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Friday 26th November 2021) — Some calypsonians have been giving off-stage commentary because they feel discriminated against in not being able to participate in the Sugar Mas 50 calypso arena due to their COVID-19 unvaccinated status. Calypsonian Glenroy Blanchette, who has been making his contribution to the calypso competition arena for the past six years, told the Labour Spokesman newspaper that the affected calypsonians — which includes him — are seeking legal advice.
“Calypsonians have been so affected by this wicked policy, we are seeking legal advice on the matter because we are not going to lie down and take it like that. We have spent thousands of dollars to produce our material to make sure Sugar Mas 50 big — a celebration like no other — but yet we’re being treated like dogs,” he said in a Thursday 25th November exclusive interview. He noted that a contract signed by calypsonians did not have any stipulations about one’s unvaccinated status.
“Now, we performed in the first tent two Saturdays ago and we got assurances that both the vaxxed and unvaxxed will be allowed to participate. As a matter of fact, we signed a contract with the carnival committee and there were no stipulations regarding one’s vaccination status in the contract, and so out of the blue, we came aware of a media press release which indicated that unvaccinated people would not be allowed to participate in official Sugar Mas activities.”
Carnival Chairperson Shannon Hawley clarified at the press conference held on Wednesday 24th November that when the committee submitted its proposal to the COVID Task Force in early September 2021, there was no reference to vaccinated individuals only. She explained that it was not until November 16th that the committee was advised that “across the board all participants, technical team etc. — anyone who upon entering into the carnival venue — must be fully vaccinated,” at which point the committee issued its press release regarding the vaccination policy for national carnival events.
Blanchette’s response to the vaccine policy was: “Our Constitution provides for freedom of choice, freedom of expression. For me, there should be no discrimination against persons because they choose not to take an experimental drug. All that is required is that people practice the protocols — follow the protocols in terms of physical and social distancing, wear your mask, sanitize.” He said his expectations for Sugar Mas 50 were high, having spent thousands to produce music including his tribute song “Fifty Years” in honour of all who have made Sugar Mas the success it has become.