By FRANCIS JOSEPH
Ainsley King beat all the odds to return as President of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) at their elections on Sunday.
The elections were held at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, after Justice Frank Seepersad dismissed an application from presidential candidate, Kurt Allen, who tried to stop and defer the poll.
Last week, Justice Seepersad dismissed an ex parte application from Allen and came to the same conclusion after giving TUCO, its current president Ainsley King, and general secretary Shirlane Hendrickson, an opportunity to respond to Allen’s claims during a hearing.
In the application, Allen raised several issues with the election, including not being provided with an up-to-date membership list, inclusive of contact information, or the organisation’s financial records over the past three years.
While Justice Seepersad found that Allen had an arguable substantive case, he ruled that his (Allen) concerns were not sufficient to stop the democratic process.
Justice Seepersad said, “These are concerns that can be discussed with the general membership to convince them of a need for change.”
THE ELECTIONS
In a message following the results, King thanked members of TUCO and the wider calypso fraternity for their support, saying the victory represented a collective commitment to strengthening the organisation and advancing the art form.
King added, “Now, we move forward together with unity, purpose, and renewed commitment. The work continues.”
The presidential race featured three candidates — King, Allen and Nikeisha Mahalia Charles. Other major positions contested included Vice President, where Roger Mohammed and Steve Michael Pascall competed; General Secretary, where Marsha Clifton and Shirlane Hendrickson were candidates; and Assistant General Secretary, which featured MC Morris Edwards and Nicholas Ashby.
The organisation had confirmed that 37 candidates were vying for positions across TUCO’s National Executive, with 530 financially eligible members able to cast ballots from a total membership of 570. Eligible voters were drawn from TUCO’s four zones, including North, South, Tobago and East.
Among the newcomers to the TUCO executive was Karene Asche, who in 2011 became the fourth woman to lift the National Calypso Monarch title with a well-structured song called “Uncle Jack”.
Another newcomer is Joey Rivers, formerly of Xtatic who is now managing director of Calypso Arts Specialists. He is now the Welfare and Research Officer.
THE FULL RESULTS
The Newly Elected National Executive
President: Ainsley King -241 votes Vice President: Steve Pascall – 218 votes General Secretary: Shirlane Hendrickson – 235 votes Assistant General Secretary: MC Morris Edwards – 206 votes Treasurer: Melissa Williams-Campbell – 212 votes
Assistant Treasurer: Kerine Williams-Figaro – 192 votes Public Relations Officer: Crystal Charles -134 votes Assistant Public Relations Officer: Sherma Orr-Watkins – 204 votes Marketing Manager: Joseph Adams – 205 votes Education and Research Officer: Joseph Rivers – 184 votes Welfare Officer: Karene Asche – 176 votes Trustees: Kenson Neptune – 175 votes and Kenneth Thomas – 157 votes
