First timer in the calypso bacchanal arena Glenroy Blanchette told Freedom Fm listeners on Saturday that he is being denied the opportunity to participate in this year’s calypso eliminations by the National Carnival Committee.
Blanchette, a politician turned calpsonian, has released 2 hard hitting, strong, political commentary socially conscious calypsos for Sugar Mas 45 …”Don’t Sing” and “Empty Promises” said he received a call on Friday night from the NCC confirming his participation in the eliminations.
But an hour later Blanchette said he received another call from the NCC saying he would not be allowed to perform on calypso eliminations night. Blanchette is seeking legal redress in this matter and plans to file an injunction against the NCC on Monday.
Blanchette in a press release issued on Saturday said: “Noah Mills is trying to deny me the opportunity to participate in this year’s calypso competition. About 3 months ago, the carnival committee issued a deadline for registration of calypsonians.
Immediately thereafter, a controversy developed over a new clause in the calypsonian’s contract, “the censorship clause” which caused a huge public outcry against the move to censor calypsos. I did not sign any form under such circumstances. A few weeks later, the matter was resolved by the removal of the clause and the deadline for registration extended to 21st October. I then went to the carnival office on 17th October and registered.
I have signed copies of my registration forms. I have been singing in the tents as preparation for the calypso competition. Last night I received a call from a young lady at the Carnival office who told me that I had to report to the carnival office on Monday 5th December to pull a position for the Eliminations.
About an hour later I received another call from a gentleman from the Carnival Office who indicated that I am not included in the list for Eliminations. As a result of these developments, I have sought legal advice with the intention of getting justice in this matter.
There is the possibility of an injunction being filed against the Carnival Committee on Monday,” the statement concluded. Freedom Fm Newsdesk spoke to Glenroy Blanchette on Monday about his possible exclusion from the calypso finals. Blanchette reiterated the fact that he had received two entirely different telephone calls from the National Carnival Committee on Friday night. Blanchette said he also spoke to Chairman Noah Mills on Friday night at the Proud Sound Calypso tent where he was performing.
Blanchette said he was duly registered and had planned to file an injunction against the Carnival Committee which had taken the action to ban him from performing. Freedom Fm made several calls to Noah Mills on Monday and left messages on his cell phone which was not returned.