Paula Lindo – Our histories, stories, present, future.

Calypsonian Georgia “The Messenger” McIntyre is the driving force behind the upcoming concert, Shatter the Silence and Begin the Healing, in collaboration with the NGO Women of Substance (WoS). The proceeds from the concert will go towards a domestic violence shelter being built by WoS in Tobago. Veteran calypsonian Sandra “Singing Sandra” Des Vignes Millington will also be honoured at the concert.

McIntyre said the cause is close to her heart as her mother was a victim of domestic violence. “As a calypsonian, I’ve always done songs that are related to issues affecting women. This year I did a song entitled Me Too which encourages victims of domestic violence to seek help and speak out, with the understanding that there’s no need to feel ashamed, because this has been done to them. I am an adult and I have had my fair share of that as well and I understand. Having gone through the Carnival season, I did a video for the song and I thought it wouldn’t have the kind of effect I wanted if I just put it on YouTube and let it sit there, so at the concert, I’ll also be doing a video launch. I want to be able to talk to people about the issues addressed in the song, especially children, and go to schools and organisations.”

She said when she came up with the idea of the concert, she approached thespian Penelope Spencer and Jackie Burgess of the Network of NGOs for the Advancement of Women for advice. McIntyre said that because of the theme of the concert, she wanted to donate to a charity which dealt with issues of domestic violence, so she selected the Woman of Substance NGO in Tobago and their shelter project. “The head of the organisation is Onika Mars. She’s trying to erect a 10-bedroom what we call an empowerment centre in Tobago. This one is special because I understand that when an abused woman goes for accommodation, for rescue, in other homes, I understand that they can only accommodate her if she only has girls, if she has boys they can’t take her in, but this home will cater for mothers who have both boy and girl children. My mother passed when I was eight years old, so I really want to make a contribution to this effort that Onika Mars is making, so whatever profits we get from the show is going to go towards her efforts.”

Performers at the concert include McIntyre, 2018 Calypso Queen Stacey Sobers, Lady Adana, Karen Eccles, Kerine “Tiny” Williams, Alana “Lady Watchman” Sinette-Khan, and Shradah and Destiny McIntyre. There will also be Spoken Word performances by the 2 Cents Movement.

The concert takes place on June 8 at the Little Carib Theatre, corner Roberts and White Street, Woodbrook, beginning at 7:30 pm. Tickets cost $200 and can be obtained from the Book Sauce on Tragarete Road and by calling 775-1423 and 388-0455.