Gypsy: More statues, tributes for culture icons NAPA auditorium renamed in honour of Kitchener

Gypsy: More statues, tributes for culture icons NAPA auditorium renamed in honour of Kitchener
Camille Bethel, camille.bethel@trinidadexpress.com, Trinidad Express, Story Created: Friday February 11th, 2011 at 11:57 PM ECT
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Gypsy__More_statues__tributes_for_culture_icons-116020664.html

Minister of the Arts and Multiculturalism Winston "Gypsy" Peters has given his assurance that more calypsonians and cultural icons will soon be honoured in a similar manner as the late Lord Kitchener.

Speaking at the renaming ceremony of the public auditorium of the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain yesterday, Peters said the tribute to Lord Kitchener, which was announced in June last year, was just the beginning for local icons.

"Where I stand, I will ensure that feats like this continue. As a matter of fact, I want to take it one step further; I am in search of a place where we will have statues of not only Kitchener, but all the persons from the artistic fraternity."

The NAPA auditorium was officially renamed the "Lord Kitchener (Aldwyn Roberts) Auditorium".

Peters said when the Government establishes the Carnival Centre and the Culture Museum, this is where they will put statues and other memorabilia honouring cultural icons.

He told those present it was symbolic the rich legacy of Lord Kitchener, a ten-time Road March holder, was being celebrated on the 11th anniversary of his passing on the 11th day of February, 2011.

He added the Lord Kitchener Auditorium was not an achievement just for the family of the late calypsonian, but one for the entire calypso fraternity.

"We are indebted to you, and this is our small way of saying thank you," he said.

Kernel and Quweina Roberts— the son and daughter of Lord Kitchener—who spoke at the event, both thanked the Government for the tribute paid to their father for his contribution to local culture.

Quweina Roberts urged the Government to continue to recognise the contribution of other local artists while they are still alive.