Lord Kitchener lives through new museum

Lord Kitchener lives through new museum
By Avalene Harris, Trinidad Guardian, Wednesday, April 18th 2007

TODAY, the late Aldwyn Roberts (Lord Kitchener) would have celebrated his 85th birthday. A legend gone too soon, the legacy of the legendary Grand master of Calypso would live on through the establishment of a museum and performing arts centre in his name, in Diego Martin.

The facility, which has been named The Grand Master’s Museum, is located at his Rain-o-rama Palace on Diego Martin Main Road.

In honour of the Grand Master’s sterling contribution to the art form, Errol Peru, Kitchener’s former manager, two-time Road March winner and son Kernal Roberts and widow Valerie Green have come together to keep the legacy of Kitchener alive.

Peru said the museum would house artefacts such as clippings, trophies, hats, record jackets, ties, shoes and awards.

Disclosing that the idea for the museum came since the passing of Kitchener in 2000, Peru said that during the planning stages of the museum, they approached the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs for assistance in the funding of the facility.

He said the area, which would be air-conditioned, would include glass cases and proper state-of-the-art lighting. Referring to the Bob Marley and Elvis Presley museums, Peru said the facility would be the first in this country’s history.

“If museums could be built in honour of these great people why can’t we in T&T do something for ours,” he proferred. “I believe calypso and calypsonians were born in the wrong country,” he said.

Peru said the museum would also be used as a catalyst to educate schoolchildren, academics and foreign tourists on Kitchener’s work and his contributions.

The Icon’s Lane

Kernal, who confessed his obligation to the project, said he plans to establish an Icon’s Lane at the back of the home.

Apart from his father’s artefacts, Roberts said artefacts from late musical icons such as Ras Shorty I, The Roaring Lion, Onika Bostic, Lord Pretender and Sonny Mann would also be showcased at the museum.

“I am obligated to carry on my father’s name because if I don’t no one else will,” he said. Kernal said the public would be afforded the opportunity to see the work of his father and also cherish some fond memories of him.

“A projector screen would be set up for the public to view some of his past performances,” he said. “This area would be like a national landmark in Diego Martin where people could come and share with the family. “It is for the people to come and share moments and good times,” he added.

Kernal, who won two Road March titles in 2006 and 2007, said he vows to win nine more. “My father won the Road March title a record ten times and, while I am forming mine, I am carrying on his,” he said, with a confident chuckle.