| Tyrone O’flaherty (Sackcloth and Ashes) |
Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 02, 2012 (SKNIS): Calypsonian Sackcloth and Ashes of Nevis will serenade the visiting Earl and Countess of Wessex on Saturday (March 3) with his original commemorative tune “Elizabeth Regina.”
The calypsonian, whose real name is Tyrone O’Flaherty, told the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service that he was looking forward to performing the song which he wrote for the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“I am thrilled to be able to perform this song for the Royal Couple,” Mr. O’Flaherty said, noting that he immediately gave the local organizing committee a positive nod when he was approached.
That performance will take place at the renaming of the St. Kitts National Capitol Park to the Royal Basseterre Valley National Park which is scheduled to begin at approximately 10:00 a.m. An auspicious ceremony has been planned which will culminate in a plaque unveiling ceremony for the 550 acre preserve which stretches along the Kim Collins Highway.
The 3 time Calypso King of Nevis explained that the lyrics of the song are “very respectful” of the 60 year reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the service she has rendered to charities within the Commonwealth.
“For instance the chorus says ‘Let’s all celebrate, a reign that has been great – Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee,'” Mr. O’Flaherty disclosed. “Then it goes on and ends with the refrain ‘Elizabeth Regina, Elizabeth Regina, long may she reign. We may never see someone like she again.'”
Regina is Latin for Queen. The song is currently being played on local stations.
Sackcloth and Ashes encouraged nationals of the twin-island Federation to go out and witness the public events that will feature the Royals. These include a welcome ceremony at Port Zante at 9:40 a.m. as well as a tour and plaque unveiling at the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park at 12:00 p.m.