PHILIPSBURG--Calypso singers Andrew “His Majesty Baker Jr.” Richardson and Alberto “Fish Da Mega Boss” Arrindell added eighteen calypso singers to their boycott of the Senior Calypso finals set for Easter Monday, April 22, 2019. The group is insisting that St. Maarten Carnival Foundation (SCDF) put back the show to the day before J’ouvert Jump-Up.
The singers said in a statement on Thursday that the show was planned with no regard for the calypsonians. Now at 20 strong, the group will not participate in any Carnival shows next year if SCDF does not change the date.
“It has become clear now that the motives of these two presidents, they indulge in the pleasures of illegal activities at the expense of the calypsonians and the calypso show, booth-holders, promoters and Carnival whom they so love. … We have made it clear from the beginning that we will not be singing on an Easter Monday.
“The St. Maarten Calypso Destruction Foundation presidents have made it clear the date will not be reinstated as it was originally and customary to have the calypso show on the night before J’ouvert. We the Calypsonians thank you the public for your support and continued support over the year,” stated the singers in the joint press release.
