WINSTON "Gypsy" PETERS

Winston Peters is a former calypsonian and present politician serving as the Minister of Community Development under the current People’s Partnership government. He first entered politics in 2000 where he served as the Member of Parliament for the constituency of Mayaro under the United National Congress and was re-elected in 2001, 2007 and 2010. Putting all politics aside, Gypsy is a famous calypsonian who has been recognized for being one of the world's best Extempo artistes winning over seven Extempo titles. He won the Calypso Crown in 1997 with his famous hits "Little Black Boy" and “Rhythm of the Nation.”

Gypsy was known for singing political commentary, one of his best ever composed was his classic 1986 release “Sinking Ship” which was considered by most to be the crowning blow that brought on the downfall of the PNM government, which had been in power for nearly 30 years. He went on to compose forty-four (44) outstanding calypsos within his career as a calypsonian. He has had a roller-coaster career that has reached the extremes of peaks and valleys. In 1988 he was awarded the Trinidad & Tobago Chaconia Medal Silver for his contributions to the development of Calypso Music. Winston “Gypsy” Peters is yet another successful individual birthed out of the soil of Mayaro. For this post I was honored to collaborate with my friend Chantal Thomas who sketched a photograph of Mr. Peters himself. For more portrait sketches feel free to visit her blog, The Sketch Paper Project .

Sketched By: Chantal Thomas