Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony has promised more ‘streamlined’ Calypso competitions this year.

Speaking at the Ministry’s Boardroom yesterday, Anthony said that the competitions are being planned so that there will be a smooth flow of items to alleviate the problem of the show going on too late into the night.

Twenty-five competitors were chosen out of a total of 33 this year. Rehearsals for the competition are scheduled to start from next Monday at the Carifesta Sports Complex.

Anthony praised the calypsonians on their establishment of ‘Mash tents’, saying that the private endeavor has the full support of his Ministry.

The Calypso semi-finals will be on February 13 at the Blairmont Ground. The winner of the HIV/AIDS competition will be giving a guest performance at the event. The finals are to be held on February 23 at Thirst Park. Mingles Sound Machine is the official band this year.