News Releases

Tradition Centre Stage at The UWI Old Yard

For Release Upon Receipt - February 18, 2026

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago – February 18, 2026 – The inaugural Extempo clash at The Department of Creative and Festival Arts’ (DCFA) of The UWI at The Old Yard 2026 celebrations delivered an electrifying performance of true calypso craft, as two masters of wordplay Winston “Gypsy” Peters and Myron Bruce went head-to-head in a lyrical showdown that held the audience in rapt attention.  In a display of razor-sharp wit and commanding stage presence, both calypsonians delivered rapid-fire verses infused with humour, pointed social commentary and verbal agility.

 

 (L–R) Myron Bruce “Myron B” and Winston Edward Peters “Gypsy” engage in a spirited extempo clash, entertaining attendees with quick wit and lyrical improvisation at The UWI Old Yard 2026.

The battle unfolded at the Department’s Gordon Street grounds in St. Augustine, on Sunday 08th February, 2026. As is customary, the grounds were transformed into a vibrant living yard as The Old Yard 2026 delivered an immersive celebration of traditional Carnival masquerade. Held from 12 noon to 6 pm, special focus was placed on bois or stick fighting, with demonstrations by renowned practitioners Keegan Taylor and Felix Defour. Their performance highlighted the discipline, rhythm and historical significance of a tradition rooted in resistance and survival. The day’s activities were a treat for the families, students and cultural enthusiasts who attended and created a space where tradition was not only displayed but actively lived.

 

 An enthusiastic crowd cheering on the festivities, adding to the atmosphere and celebratory spirit of The UWI Old Yard 2026, hosted by DCFA at DCFA, Gordon Street, St. Augustine.

 Recognised by UNESCO as an International Best Arts Education Practice, The Old Yard recreated the nostalgia and the atmosphere of historic communal yards and patrons welcomed the timeless sounds of classic kaiso, with audiences singing along to beloved selections. The grassy quadrangle beneath the DCFA’s flamboyant trees was reimagined as a Gayelle through murals, tapestry, elaborate set design and bleachers that quickly filled with patrons, including large groups of secondary school students, within the first hour.

 

 A fiery performance by a Jab Molassie fire-breather captivates the audience, bringing the energy and spectacle of traditional Carnival to The UWI Old Yard 2026, hosted by DCFA.

  Adding further distinction to the occasion, revered calypso icon Ronnie McIntosh delivered a special performance that honoured the enduring legacy of traditional calypso, that added to the atmosphere with a special performance that celebrated the enduring power of his traditional songs.

 Throughout the day, patrons encountered parades and performances of traditional mas characters with familiar Sunday yard scenes transformed into interactive theatre as jammettes, baby dolls, sailors, police and thief mingled with playful figures such as the nurse, doctor, dog and lamp post. Performance group Arts-in-Action dramatised the origins of Carnival, combining storytelling and movement to deepen the educational experience.

 

 A Moko Jumbie performer, dressed in the vibrant colours of the Trinidadian flag, towers above the camera, demonstrating the elegance and skill of stilt-walking at The UWI Old Yard 2026.

 Special focus was placed on the art of bois or stick fighting, with demonstrations by renowned practitioners Keegan Taylor and Felix Defour. Their performances highlighted the discipline, rhythm and historical significance of a tradition rooted in resistance and survival. The DCFA drummers added a powerful sonic backdrop, engaging the audience in call and response that echoed across the yard.

 

 The dynamic stick-fighting troupe Kalinda Kollective, under the direction of Keegan Tendaji Taylor, showcases a thrilling stick-fighting demonstration at The UWI Old Yard 2026, highlighting the skill and precision of this cultural art form

 The 2026 edition formed part of DCFA’s legacy celebrations, marking 20 years as a department and 40 years in existence. By honouring cultural custodians while inviting new generations to participate, The Old Yard 2026 reaffirmed its role as a vital bridge between heritage and contemporary expression. Patrons also enjoyed local food and craft on sale, completing a multi-sensory experience grounded in community and tradition.

 

 A “Jab Jab” character sticks out their tongue in a playful display of traditional masquerade at The UWI Old Yard 2026, hosted by DCFA on Sunday, 8th February, at DCFA, Gordon Street, St. Augustine.

END

 About The University of the West Indies

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is the Caribbean’s premier higher education institution and one of only two regional universities in the world. With five campuses across the English-speaking Caribbean and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, The UWI continues to be a beacon of academic excellence, research innovation, and societal impact. Consistently ranked among the world’s best by Times Higher Education (THE), The UWI is a global leader in addressing critical challenges, including climate change, sustainability, and development.

 

 

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