The Dominica Calypso Association (DCA) has successfully navigated a period of constitutional controversy and leadership uncertainty by electing a new nine-member executive team. The elections, held on October 11 at the Dominica Calypso House, saw approximately 40 Calypsonians casting their votes to select eight new executive members. These individuals will join Joey Lloyd, who was previously elected as the caretaker executive member following the resignation of the former leadership amid constitutional disputes. The newly elected members include Daddy Chess, who received the highest number of votes with 34, followed by Karessa with 31. Peter Letang, Bingo, and Oracle each secured 30 votes, while Royette garnered 27, Tronada received 23, and Mystery rounded out the list with 18 votes. The executive comprises seven men and two women, forming a leadership team tasked with revitalizing the DCA and preparing for the upcoming Calypso season, which begins in less than three months with the elimination round. Narrin Murphy, former Treasurer of the DCA, shared the results and extended his support to the incoming executive. ‘We take the opportunity to wish the current executive the very, very best as they prepare for the 2026 season,’ Murphy stated. ‘It’s not really easy, but we will give the full support we can when requested.’ The elections mark a turning point for the DCA, which has recently faced internal challenges. Former president Ian Jackson confirmed that several members of the outgoing executive had exceeded constitutional term limits, prompting a petition from some members and calls for reform. The petitioners claim that the October 11 elections were held to restore constitutional integrity and public confidence in the association’s governance. With the 2026 Calypso season rapidly approaching, the newly elected executive is expected to promptly begin preparations for DCA-organized events, provide robust support to artists, and strengthen the cultural significance of Calypso in Dominica.
New executive elected to lead Dominica Calypso Association ahead of 2026 Season
