With the political atmosphere being transformed in an almost revolutionary manner, society itself was being changed for the greater. Many of the cultural institutions we know of now did not exist in the early and mid-20th century, mainly because there was a strong opposition towards the colonials developing any national or cultural identity. Despite education reforms made during the 19th century mainly by Governor Lord Harris, the 1850’s saw the introduction of secular state education through Queens Royal College.
Education has been the corner stone of our nationhood as many of our founders were intellectuals, academics or cultural activists. During the 1940s, and gradually into the 50’s, with the political reform that was taking place, there was the introduction of universal suffrage that allowed both men and women of the prescribed age to vote. Nationhood was not built by political development alone but rather on the pillars which make a society. These pillars were culture, as it resonates with the overall national identity which is not based on race or creed. Civic nationalism has always been the drive of those seeking internal self-government and still is to this day with the P.N.M (Peoples National Movement) and successors of the D.L.P (Democratic Labour Party).
To understand why the 1950’s was seen as the cultural renaissance is to understand that this period defined who we are as a people. For example, Calypso was always known as the voice of the people. Topics would mainly be that of political satire. Since a good portion of the population was illiterate, singing was the one profound way to express criticism of matters in society. With the introduction of more elected representatives in the Order-in-Council of 1950, as well as with the quasi-ministerial government, there was direct political involvement.
In 1952, the Carnival Development Committee instituted the first Road March competition, BestofTrinidad, with the likes of the Mighty Sparrow, Lord Pretender, Lord Melody and Mighty Striker as those who won the Calypso Crown between 1950-1959 (BestofTrinidad). This also coincides with the development of the Steel pan, as during the 40’s, the US military personnel were the main audience of Steel pan band shows and competitions. The Steelpan movement, which was established in the early 1950’s, contributed greatly to a main aspect of our national identity, our national instrument. It was something in which the common man, as its creator, took great pride (PanTrinbago).
References
- Emrit, R. C. (n.d.). Calypso 1950 – 1959. Calypso (Trinidad). Retrieved July 26, 2022, from http://www.bestoftrinidad.com/calypso50s.html
- History of PanTrinbago. PanTrinbago Inc. T.C. (n.d.). Retrieved July 27, 2022, from https://www.pantrinbago.co.tt/Overview/About.aspx