NCF Pays Tribute to the Late Sinclair Gittens

The National Cultural Foundation joins the calypso fraternity, the wider cultural community, and countless friends and supporters of the Crop Over Festival in mourning the passing of Sinclair Gittens — a passionate champion of calypso, and a steadfast cultural advocate.

For decades, Sinclair Gittens stood as one of the most committed voices in support of the calypso art form, calypsonians and artistes. Serving intermittently as President of the Barbados Association of Tent Managers (BATMAN) from 1991 into the early 2010s, he became synonymous with tireless advocacy, fearless representation, and an unwavering belief in the value and dignity of calypso, its practitioners and the tents.

Armed with an exceptional knowledge of the history of calypso both locally and across the region, Gittens earned the admiration of many as one of Barbados’ foremost authorities on the genre. Through the once-popular BATMAN radio programme, he educated, informed, and kept the spirit and conversations surrounding calypso alive for audiences across the island.

Sinclair was a formidable presence — a robust debater, meticulous administrator, and methodical researcher whose voice carried weight within the calypso community: he was deeply devoted to the welfare of calypsonians and tents. He fought passionately for increased subventions, improved prize monies, and better systems surrounding the operations, logistics, and adjudication of the major calypso and soca competitions during Crop Over. His work helped shape meaningful discussions and improvements within the Festival, leaving a lasting impact on generations of artistes and calypso tent managers.

The Late Sinclair Gittens

His love for the art form also found expression in the management of the Pioneers Calypso Tent from 1988 to 1992. There, he nurtured talent and fostered community among performers such as Big Davy, King Sailor, Romancia Murray, and Bongo. He also encouraged his daughters to become involved both on stage and behind the scenes, making the tent not just a creative space, but a family endeavour rooted in love for culture.

Beyond the calypso arena, Sinclair Gittens also served Barbados through his work in the hospitality industry, managing several restaurants across the island, including the Blue Horizon Restaurant, where his professionalism and dedication were equally admired.

The NCF remembers a man who gave so much of himself in service to culture, community, and country. His contributions to calypso, the Crop Over Festival, and the wider cultural landscape will not be forgotten, and his voice, advocacy, and passion will continue to resonate within the hearts of those who knew him and benefitted from his work.

The Board of Management and Staff of the National Cultural Foundation extend sincere condolences to the family of Sinclair Gittens, and the entire calypso fraternity. May his soul rest in eternal peace. (PR)