MASTER OR MISOGYNIST?

LEROY Clarke, the artist who recently died, was a staunch critic of gay lifestyles. 

Clarke had also made a racist epithet against the new Basdeo Panday Government in 1995. 

In an interview with Guardian newspaper in 2014, Clarke said homosexuality was destroying the arts and attracting young men into criminal gangs. 

He said that “people indulge in abominations, accede to it.” 

Clarke said that with the exception of sailor and midnight robber, there were no longer any distinctions in mas portrayals. 

“An effeminate power has taken over the costumes, and even the rhythm of the music,” he told the newspaper. 

“Carnival is no longer male or female. 

“This is a serious matter; we are dealing with a problem that is threatening our heritage.” 

Clarke added: “The conversion is threatening identity.”
He added that homosexuality is a threat to the local dream of becoming a society. 

The artiste ran into severe criticisms after making the statements; some critics termed him a misogynist. 

One female artiste accused Clarke of “retrograde thinking.” 

Clarke, who died at age 80, was earlier been dubbed by some supporters as a master artiste. 

After Panday became Prime Minister in 1995, Clarke said the national Cabinet looked like that of Pakistan. 

There were many tributes following his passing, including from prominent national leaders.