“What is this acrimony about? NCC (National Carnival Commission) is an organisation. It has structure. I felt the handover could wait until you select a board. It would have been the most civilised thing to do.”
So said National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman Winston “Gypsy” Peters after he tendered his resignation about midday yesterday. He also said NCC deputy chairman Davlin Thomas tendered his resignation yesterday.
Prior to yesterday, Peters had said he would serve until the end of his term in November 2025 and had not yet received any request to resign from the new administration.
Peters also refuted claims that he was adamant about not resigning and said: “I hope I see the day when political affiliation would not trump competency.” He also thanked Thomas, other NCC officials, his staff and team for their support and assistance.
Peters, a veteran kaisonian, extempo monarch and 1997 calypso monarch, held the post for seven years.
In a phone interview yesterday, Peters, 72, said: “I don’t know where this talk about me not wanting to resign came from. I tendered my resignation. I’m fine. I chose to resign because it’s the right thing to do. I spoke to the minister (Michelle Benjamin). I have her number. She has mine. Of course, when you have a change of administration you will have to resign, but it will take time to tie up loose ends. I know Davlin sent his resignation in as well.”
Peters added: “People are like gravity. Gravity doesn’t pull anybody up. People could only wish you end up in a downward spiral. NCC gives me a stipend. I am not a calypsonian hunting for a job. NCC gives me a stipend. You have to do what is best for you and you alone. When it comes to death, it’s you alone.”
Peters also said Pan Trinbago, Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) and Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Bands’ Association are still on the NCC board because of an Act of Parliament.
“They are hired by the Government. We in Trinidad and Tobago always talk about positive change. I have never left my businesses. It’s not like when I was a minister of government that I had to declare my assets,” he said.
Sharing some information on Thomas’ resignation, he said: “I want to thank Davlin Thomas. I know he tendered his resignation. Davlin is a hard- working talented man. I would like the new board to retain his services and talents. I can say Davlin has completely transformed Dimanche Gras. I want to thank Clarence Moe and all the hardworking team. He is a great custodian of culture and the arts. I brought him back because of his expertise.”
Asked what advice he would impart to the new administration, Peters said: “Stop looking at people’s political affiliations and look at their competency. I am a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago. I am a Trinbagonian to the bone. I will do anything that is necessary for my country to succeed and excel. I am here to look after my country in any sphere whether it’s political or otherwise. My action has shown that’s the type of person I am. I am proud. Happy. Independent. Just ensure everything is done in the best way possible. Get it done in the best interest of NCC and the people of T&T. Do the work to the best of your ability.”
Happy Tobago got its Carnival
Expounding upon his personal successes, Peters said he has been all over the world and has been singing for decades. “I never gave up my businesses and my singing. When I leave NCC office, I go to my office and any one of my homes. I hang my own hat on my nail.”
On the cultural front, he described himself as “an independent thinker” so that “about 32 years ago, I felt Tobago should have a standalone Carnival. I was extremely happy Tobago got its Carnival”.
Peters envisions a day when the entire steelband fraternity would play one song in unison for a coveted place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
He said: “It would be a great day for steelband music. Trinidad and Tobago would cement its place in the Guinness Book of World Records. We have the world’s largest orchestra. It’s a spectacle I have been advocating for over the last 40 years.”
In a phone interview yesterday, director of the Carnival Institute Clarence Moe said he considers relations with the new administration to be cordial. “I will continue to serve as long as I am called upon. I have served under all the administrations. I am just a citizen who is giving back to my country.”
