The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) has conferred a posthumous honorary doctorate on calypsonian Lord Kitchener (Aldwyn Roberts), during the 2017 graduation ceremony at the Graduation Pavilion East Trinidad.
The Doctor of Arts certificate was received by his daughter, Quwenia Roberts on behalf of the Grand Master, from President Anthony Carmona.
The commendation of Kitchener read at the ceremony said he contributed immensely to the enhancement and globalization of the national song calypso, and his innate musical ability saw him composing and singing calypso as a teenager and quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the best calypsonians in the country within a couple years of his debut.
In 1969, Kitchener was awarded Trinidad and Tobago’s Humming Bird Medal (Silver). He won the Road March title on 11 occasions, the first with “Jump in Line” in 1946 and the last 30 years later with “Flag Woman.” It is a feat that has not been repeated by any other artiste to date. His career spanned six decades.
Kitch also managed and performed at the Calypso Revenue Tent for more than 30 years. He died on Feb. 11, 2000.
