BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - “I will always be a calypsonian, so don’t count me out.” This disclosure was made by Lincoln Maynard, father of the holder of the 2010/2011 Road March title and Beaumont Park Soca Champion, Konris Maynard.
Maynard said he is very proud of his son’s achievements, stressing that Konris has been very focused and dedicated to whatever he sets his sight on.
Maynard went on to note that his son is benefitting from decisions he made in the past, and he tries to do his best in whatever he is tasked with.
“I am obviously proud, as Konris has been very focused and dedicated. I am happy that he has also made some right decisions which continue to pay off,” Maynard said.
Issuing a call for parents to play a greater role in the lives of their children, Maynard advised that they should take their role with greater enthusiasm, determination and passion. He said children need role models they could emulate, noting that if they are not taught the right things about life and shown positive examples, they would be influenced by the negatives they see on a daily basis.
He stressed that some children are luckier than others to have good role models in their lives, while others are not so fortunate. A recommended solution to this problem, Maynard said, is for the authorities to enforce the laws to ensure good parenting is maintained and guaranteeing the eradication of the many social ills that are encouraged by parents.
Maynard added that the general perception is that once individuals are not the parents of children termed to be bad, then it is not their problem. He advised that this perception must be eradicated and the situation should be seen as everyone’s problem.
“Regardless of whose child it is we must be able to see it as everyone’s problem, for someday it will directly affect us,” he said.
Maynard declared that parents who are not executing their responsibilities in a civilised manner should face the consequences of legal implications.
“Parents will have to learn that they will have to take responsibility,” he said.
Maynard added that because of the growing social ills being faced within society, he hopes that more fathers would play a greater role in their children’s life.
“We are all expected to play an important role as fathers in the lives of our children, especially our sons.”
Asked if he would consider competing against his son in either the Soca or Calypso competitions, Maynard, also known as the Mighty Contender, declared that he would always be a calypsonian and anything is possible.
“I will always be a calypsonian, so, yes there is a possibility that I can decide to compete against him but if or when that time comes I will decide on what needs to be done.”
Pressed on whether he has intentions of competing at the next carnival, the tight lipped Maynard smilingly said, “A calysonian will always be a calypsonian”.
