August 23, 2016: Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry and senior officials of the Ministry welcomed international calypso icon, Dr. Mc Cartha Linda Lewis, also known as Calypso Rose, to the Ministry’s Port of Spain office on Tuesday August 23, 2016. This meeting came on the heels of Calypso Rose’s recent achievements under the auspices of Because Music, one of Europe’s top music labels.
In an effort to ensure that the wealth of knowledge and experience gained over the years by this globally celebrated artiste passes on to future generations, Senator Gopee-Scoon committed to work, through the Trinidad and Tobago Music Company (MusicTT), to design and implement a Music Workshop in the form of an information sharing session geared toward the celebration of Calypso Rose’s achievements and knowledge transfer, in early 2017. Minister Gopee-Scoon said to the living legend ‘we want the young people of Trinidad and Tobago to know you; and we want your help to develop the local industry’.
In addition to the walk down memory lane, the Trade and Industry Minister took the opportunity to congratulate the 76 year old Calypso veteran on her recent selection to receive the prestigious WOMEX (World Music Expo) Award on 23rd October 2016 in Spain, saying to Calypso Rose that we ‘applaud you and congratulate you on your journey and achievements’.
Some of Calypso Rose’s achievements include the recent launch of her new album, titled “Far from Home” which was recorded in collaboration with the world famous French musician, Manu Chao. This new album has sold over 50,000 copies and as a result, Calypso Rose would be the first local artiste to be awarded the Gold Plaque for this accomplishment. Her growing main stream fan base in France, Belgium, Germany, Italy and Sweden gives testament to her perpetual relevance and ability to captivate audiences the world over. This daughter of the soil has performed for crowds in excess of 80,000 persons. Furthermore, she has been featured in numerous magazines, including Elle Fashion Magazine where she was given the title the ‘female Bob Marley’.
Among the officials at the meeting were Mr. Norris Herbert, Permanent Secretary (Ag.); Ms. Frances Signoret, Permanent Secretary (Ag.); Mrs. Susan Singh-Seerattan, Director, Business Development; Mrs. Yolande Agard-Simmons, Manager, Corporate Communications; Mr. Mario Romany, Industry Specialist; and Ms. Janelle Frontin, MusicTT.
Minister of Trade and Industry, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon (r) presents a token to the living legend, Calypso Rose.
Engaging discussions between the Trade and Industry Minister and Calypso Rose and her team.
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For further information please contact:
The Corporate Communications Unit
Ministry of Trade and Industry
868-625-9947