Former Priest Turns To Calypso To Preach About Sexual Abuse And Gaza

A suspended Grenadian Catholic priest is using calypso music as a platform to speak out on issues including sexual abuse within the Catholic Church and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, turning to the Caribbean’s traditional form of musical storytelling after being barred from performing priestly duties.

Father Gerard Paul, 64, who has served as a priest for more than 30 years, is competing in this year’s Spicemas Calypso Monarch competition under the stage name “Father Paul.” He says calypso has become his new “pulpit,” allowing him to reach audiences beyond the church through music known for its social and political commentary.

Paul was indefinitely suspended in 2024 after repeatedly criticizing church leadership. The controversy intensified following a sermon in which he condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza and urged religious leaders to speak out against what he described as injustice. Church officials later said his suspension resulted from his continued public attacks on church leadership and refusal to accept correction, rather than solely because of his comments on Gaza.

Since his suspension, Paul has released two calypso songs, “Oh Gaza” and “Ah Want Ah Radar.” The former highlights the humanitarian impact of the conflict in Gaza and criticizes what he views as the Church’s silence, while the latter uses satire to address allegations of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church and calls for greater accountability.

Paul said music has enabled him to communicate with a much wider audience than he could from the pulpit. Although he values his years in ministry, he believes calypso offers greater freedom to address social issues and encourage public discussion.

His performances have resonated with audiences at Spicemas, Grenada’s largest carnival celebration, where he advanced to the Calypso Monarch finals alongside several of the country’s leading calypsonians. The annual festival has long served as a stage for performers to tackle political, social and cultural issues through music.

The case has sparked debate across the Caribbean over freedom of expression, the role of religious leaders in addressing controversial global issues and the enduring power of calypso as a vehicle for social commentary. Despite remaining suspended from active ministry, Father Paul says he intends to continue using music to advocate for justice and give a voice to causes he believes deserve greater attention.