Last man standing? Lord Canary, calypso and culture

Lord Canary

Among the honours, recognition and tributes paid to Malcolm Corrica, MS, popularly known as Lord Canary, (March 21, 1937 – October 10, 2016), is a publication of his biography written by Allan A Fenty. This was launched on February 18, 2016 as a celebration of Guyana’s legendary calypsonian. Other decorations which came earlier, included the national award – the Medal of Service (MS) in 1992 “for long service with exceptional dedication in the fields of politics and popular music as a composer and entertainer.”

20100704artsonsundayCorrica distinguished himself through notable achievements in culture as well as through national service in government and politics. Primarily, he was a calypsonian with a long and distinguished career including winning the crown as Calypso King of Guyana and being his country’s foremost campaigner in that field in Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and New York. He was elevated to high national office in government – a member of the Cabinet – as Minister of Culture in the Ministry of Education, Social Development and Culture, and as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Communication. His appointments to these offices came during his long service as a Member of Parliament for the PNC between 1969 and 1985.