Singers blast ‘sleeping’ NDP government

Calypso music is traditionally used to deliver profound social commentary, and three veteran Calypsonians put that into practice on Sunday night, when they hammered the National Democratic Party (NDP) government for what they consider to be its unfavourable performance.

Sistah Joyce, Queen Shereen, and King Paido used their respective songs to also criticize Government lawmaker Dr Hubert ‘Bertie’ O’Neal, who represents the Ninth Electoral District, which includes Virgin Gorda where the Calypso contest took place.

According to Sistah Joyce, residents have been accusing Dr O’Neal of ‘sleeping’ on the job more than his predecessor Ralph O’Neal, fondly called Ralphie.

“All who voted Bertie now saying he sleeping more than Ralphie,” Sistah Joyce said in her song entitled ‘Virgin Gorda I Feel Your Pain’.

She added, “All who voted Bertie, now saying they sorry voting for he… Too late shall be your cry… NDP treating us like an unwanted pregnancy.”

Sistah Joyce also highlighted District problems including inadequate sewerage and healthcare services.

She noted that, although some persons may victimize her for criticizing the politician, she has been critical of political representatives over the years, regardless of their party affiliations. “When defending my country, I don’t have no mercy,” added Sistah Joyce, whose real name is Joycelyn Searles.

The gov’t is corrupt

Meanwhile, Shereen Flax, whose stage name is Queen Shereen, used her guest performance at the Calypso competition to – among other things – claim that the NDP government and her member of parliament ‘Bertie’ have neglected the people.

“You falling asleep Bertie; like you drop asleep Bertie,” she added. “You on your rocking chair scratching your head, when you should be helping your people instead.”

Queen Shereen went on to accuse the self-styled government ‘in the sunshine’ of being involved in corruption especially through its Labour Department.

“So when they say they don’t stand for corruption, watch them right in the eye; all of them is the same damn thing; they too damn lie,” she further sang while indicating that persons want her to enter representational politics.

“Some people on Tortola telling me I should get into politics; you ain’t fraid to sing bout corruption while others biting their lips. You better get that idea out your mind cause I can’t handle no stress; half a dem politicians in some kind of scampishness,” Queen Shereen further sang.

Gov’t is not listening

In the meantime, winner of the Calypso competition Reynold Phillip, who is also known as King Paido, used his song entitled ‘Who Is Paying Attention’ to accuse the government of ignoring the people’s plight.

“Everyone in this country is free to express their views; free to express their opinions anyhow they choose. Sometimes you may feel that the ideas you propose just fall on deaf ears, and the way things are going now it seems like nobody cares… Nobody ain’t care bout we; the governor impose Section 103,” King Paido sang.

He also touched on several issues facing the territory, including the proposed extension of the runway at Terrence B Lettsome International Airport, which he said Government will continue despite the residents raising objections.

“I see tax imposing everyday and workers not getting higher pay; and the prices rising to the sky; and nobody naah hear when the poor man cry,” added Paido. “For a long time now Virgin Gorda [and] Anegada; they are being ignored. Yes it seems like the representatives falling to sleep woi…” he sang.