After its Annual General Meeting (AGM) last Saturday, October 30, the Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA) still seeks three members to complete its Board of Directors.

This being an election year, the members needed to elect six directors from among those present and in good standing. The meeting  lasted well over two hours and after a process which saw seven candidates nominated, four withdrew and left the remaining three to be acclaimed.

Those acclaimed are founding member Henry “King Cosmos” Gomez, Colleen “Brown Sugar” Trotman and John “Jayson” Perez. Ms. Trotman served as secretary from 2019 to 2021; and is the only one elected for a second consecutive term.

This now leaves OCPA to fill the three other elected board positions asap. The organization is appealing to eligible members to submit a bio stating their qualifications and how they can contribute to the advancement of calypso and soca performers in Canada, and the calypso art form in general. This must be sent to ocpa.calypsoca4@gmail.com by Monday November 15, 2021. Additionally, OCPA also seeks four members from the wider community who may be appointed to the board for a specific term. They may also submit bios to the email address shown above.

Other business conducted at the meeting included the presentation of the President’s report and the Treasurer’s financial statement. The treasurer reported that OCPA had paid all its bills and was in the black as of the date of the meeting. Members regarded this as a very positive marker for the organization.

Because of COVID restrictions, the meeting was held via Zoom and was presided over by OCPA’S secretary, Colleen “Brown Sugar” Trotman. Ken Sosa served as the Returning Officer.

OCPA expects to have a complete board in place by or before November 29 in time for its next general membership meeting.