Sheldon John – Former Extempo Monarch of T&T

Extempo craftsman, Sheldon John, dies
Sheldon John, 2011 Extempo Calypso King has passed away approximately one month shy of his 39th birthday, according to Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Association’s (TUCO’s) Welfare Officer Carlston Kerr on Monday. He died of kidney failure at approximately 5.30 pm on Sunday at the Eric Willliams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope.

Extempo king dies
Six-time National Extempo Monarch Sheldon John succumbed to kidney failure around 5.30 p.m. on Sunday at the Mount Hope Medical Sciences Complex.

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Former Extempo Monarch, Sheldon John, dies

April 02, 2012

Sheldon John - Former Extempo Monarch of T&T

The Honourable Winston Peters, Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism issued the following statement on the passing of Sheldon John.

I was deeply saddened upon learning of the untimely passing of Sheldon John, former Extempo Monarch, and friend. Sheldon was a true champion of our local arts and culture, who made a consistent and genuine contribution to national life without drawing undue attention to himself.

Not only was he an excellent exponent of the art of extempore singing, he also played bass steel pans in the Exodus Steel Orchestra and for several years shared duties as Master of Ceremonies at Kaiso House Calypso Tent.

I, along with many others, recall that Sheldon showed great promise as he rose through the ranks of the then popular Vat19 Anyhowers Extempo Competition where he cut his proverbial teeth in the art of spontaneous composition. These experiences helped to prepare him for lyrical battle with the ‘big guns’ at the national finals at the Queen’s Park Savannah. Clearly, he took those lessons to heart as he went on to win the coveted National Extempo Monarch competition on no fewer than five occasions over the past ten years!

Although we competed against each other countless times, Sheldon always remained a friendly rival both on and off stage. We shared a camaraderie that demonstrated to me that he respected the teachings of the elders with whom he interacted.

On behalf of the Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism, I wish to extend sincere sympathies to the family and relatives of Sheldon John. We have lost a beloved friend and artist. I will always keep Sheldon in my thoughts and prayers.

Sheldon John at the 2011 Kaisorama Extempo Competition

Extempo King Sheldon John Dies
WIN News understands he was admitted at the Mount Hope Medical Sciences Complex on Carnival Saturday night and passed away, at about 5:30 pm yesterday, as a result of kidney failure.
He sang his way to the 2011 Extempo King title at the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation “Kaisorama – “A night of Champions” competition at the Queen’s Park Savannah, defeating Phillip “Black Sage” Murray.

Large
1. Humanity-Circle of Life — Mac Farlane Carnival — 1,335
2. Tales of Merrie Olde England — Trini Revellers — 1,278
3. South Pacific — Legacy — 1,198
4. Colour of Green — Showtime Trinidad — 1,058

Medium
1. Survivors — Ronnie & Caro, The Mas Band — 1,190
2. Village Life — Rosalind Gabriel and Village Productions — 1,177
3. D Latin Flava — D Harvard Revellers Inc Ltd — 1,173
4. Fleets in — Trinidad All Stars Steelband — 1,167

Small
1. Beauty Beneath The Sea — Belmont Original Sylish Sailors — 1,203
2. Gathering Of The First People — Tribal Connection — 1,193
3. Greece, The Legacy — The Belmont Jewels — 1,036
4. Sailing Around The World — Mt. Hope Connection — 1,023

Mini
1. Play De Mas — The Original Jab Jab — 1,199
2. Son Of A Watless — 2001 Jab Malassie — 1,134
3. Indians Are Coming — Village People — 1,114
4. Hell Raisers — Peter Felician and Associates — 1,107

Machel set for 4th Road March title
Blazing the trail with his hit Advantageous, International Soca Monarch Machel Montano is confident that the song will lead him to his fourth Road March title.

Screams of Delight
Newly-crowned Soca Monarch and front-runner for the 2011 Road March title Machel Montano worked the stands at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, into a frenzy yesterday during the Parade of the Bands on the big stage.

Mac Farlane set to create Carnival history
Brian Mac Farlane’s 2011 presentation, Humanity: The Circle Of Life, may just be what the reigning Band of the Year leader needs to pull off his fifth consecutive win and create Carnival history…

Masqueraders party hard at the Big Yard

‘Tsunami’ sweeps downtown
FRESH from copping the coveted King of Carnival title at the Dimanche Gras on Sunday night, Wayne Madray’s Pacific Tsunami was the star of the show as festivities began in downtown Port-of-Spain yesterday.

Standing ovation for MacFarlane

Kamla: $1b boost to T&T’s economy
The economy has received an injection of $1 billion as a result of Government’s investment in Carnival, according to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

Bands snub Piccadilly Greens
Even though there were calls by the National Carnival Committee (NCC) for more bands to parade past the judging point on the Piccadilly Greens, east Port-of-Spain only a few bands made their way through the route yesterday.

Rain fails to dampen San Fernando mas

Colour Mas in Sando
THERE was no main stage, but hundreds of masqueraders yesterday took Machel Montano’s advice and took full “Advantage” of brilliant sunshine and crossed various judging points shortly after midday to give San Fernando a bumper colourful Carnival.

Kalicharan’s ‘Colours’ light up South

36 bands cross the stage
Carnival Tuesday in Tobago got off to a fantastic colourful filled day, with approximately 36 bands crossing the stage, before the judges in Scarborough and at Old Milford Road.

Haitian students find new dawn at J’Ouvert

Back to work
THERE is a time for every purpose in this world. On Sunday evening at the Dimanche Gras show, it was the time of TT’s youth, the night when experienced bards were taught a thing or two by a junior. There’s a new Calypso Monarch in town and she is a young woman. Twenty-six-year-old Karene Asche’s rendition of her calypsos, “Careful what you ask for” and “Uncle Jack” was simply refreshing. A crown well won.

Police out for Carnival
Despite sickout action by police officers over the past few weeks, officers were out in their numbers on Carnival Tuesday to ensure that the nation’s security went according to plan.

Reveller in Matura row fighting for life
Police said Julia Warren, of Anglias Road, Cumana, Toco, was dragged by a car driven by a 61-year-old man after her clothing got stuck between the vehicle doors.

Woman: Ex-boyfriend steals costume

Bandits hit thick crowds on Avenue
Cops shut down music; spectators scamper

Mystery over cop’s missing gun
A police officer assigned to the Piarco Police Station is at the centre of an investigation after he lost his service pistol on Carnival Monday.

Swede robbed of $22,000 camera
A male resident of Sweden was robbed of his camera at Old St Joseph Road, Laventille, around 9.30 Monday morning, the foreigner told police.

Argument between friends ends in death
A man stabbed in the chest during an argument with a friend died on the way to the Chaguanas District Hospital yesterday afternoon.

A great Carnival says police chief

Chutney Soca Monarch Competition 2011 in pictures

Rikki Jai takes $2m Chutney Soca title
Rikki Jai (Samraj Jaimungal) became the first $2 million monarch of Carnival 2011 when he won the NLCB Chutney Soca Monarch competition at Skinner Park, San Fernando, on Saturday night…

Crowd divided over Chutney Soca results
When Samraj “Rikki Jai” Jaimungal’s name was announced, there was booing and shouting “nooo” from some sections of the massive crowd who packed into the Skinner Park, San Fernando ground.

Ravi B apologises for behaviour
Dethroned Chutney Soca Monarch, Ravi Bissambhar, has apologised to fans, patrons and Southex Ltd, promoters of the annual Chutney Soca Monarch competition, after inciting irresponsible behaviour from the fans at the end of his guest performance at the show on Saturday night.

Kamla, Gypsy star in Chutney Soca
From a Minister of Govern-ment performing extempo to a soca artiste serenading the Prime Minister with a classic reggae hit, the 2011 edition of the NLCB Chutney Soca Monarch final featured scintillating performances and energetic dance routines that captivated the massive audience at Skinner Park, San Fernando on Saturday night.

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Ravi B’s behaviour ‘unacceptable’
George Singh Jr, chief executive officer of Southex, says he is disappointed with the actions of dethroned Chutney Soca Monarch, Ravi Bissambhar, during his guest performance at Saturday night’s final.

…Gypsy apologises for Ravi B
Arts and Multiculturalism Minister Winston “Gypsy” Peters has spoken out against Ravi “Ravi B” Bissembhar’s incitement of irresponsible behaviour from the audience at Saturday’s Chutney Soca Monarch finals in San Fernando.

…Alarming incitement by chutney soca man

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February 23, 2011

Roodal wants criminal probe in pelting incident
Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal thinks that Ravi “Ravi B” Bissambhar should be criminally investigated for inciting supporters to throw missiles onto the stage at the Chutney Soca Monarch final…

…Moonilal hits Ravi B’s conduct

…Now promoters cancel Ravi B Children’s Show

…Sore losers
We must first acknowledge that Ravi B apologised for his behaviour at the end of the Soca Chutney Finals on Saturday night. And we note that the apology was contrite and sincere, and we take him at his word that he deeply regrets having called upon the audience to protest the decision which gave his colleague in Chutney, Rikki Jai, the title and the two million-dollar first prize.

Promote non-alcoholic songs
Arrive Alive’s Brent Batson has congratulated Rikki Jai for winning the 2011 Chutney Soca Monarch title and the historic first prize of $2 million. Baton, however, warned Jai to take note of the high level of drinking and driving on the nation’s roads and suggested he focus on more positive messages in his songs.

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15 finalists in Chutney Soca Monarch 2011 race

February 10, 2011

After a grueling semifinal round at the Rienzi Complex Couva, and four intense days of both on-line and text voting for the bmobile wild card that accumulated more than 26,000 votes, the names of the 15 Chutney Soca Monarch finalists are finally in. The 15 now move to the final round in the “Race for 2 Million” scheduled for Skinner Park, San Fernando, on February 19.

The 15 finalists are (in no particular order):

Terry Gajraj
Rick Ramoutar
Lalchan Babwah The Hunter
Drupatee Ramgoonai
Veeshal Persad
Vashanle Artle Butkoon
Rikki Jai
Sally Sagram
Anil Bheem
Ravi B
Nirmal Adesh Samaroo
O’neil Bhajman
Neeshan Hitman Prabhu
Kenneth Supersad
bmobile wild card—
Michael “Soca Elvis” Salloum

http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2011/02/10/15-finalists-race-2m

PRIMARY SCHOOLS CATEGORY
1 Atiya Alleng Al-Maadressa Primary School
2 Cassandra Belfon Montrose Government School
3 Kyle Blake-James Sacred Heart Boys RC School
4 Sergio Camejo Sacred Heart Boys RC School
5 Aaron Duncan Newtown Boys RC School
6 Flower Khalabi Santa Cruz RC Primary School
7 Oluseyi Moraldo-Bowen Rosary Boys RC School
8 N’Jalena Regis St Agnes Anglican Primary School
9 Melina Smith Valencia South Government School
Timel Flament Rivas (Defending Monarch) Rosary Boys RC School

SECONDARY SCHOOLS CATEGORY:
1 Alliva Alleng West Mucurapo Secondary School
2 Alesha Alleng East Mucurapo Secondary School
3 Anthony Michael Batson Couva West Secondary School
4 Chalika Benjamin Tranquillity Government Secondary School
5 Nihilett Blackman-Thornhill Sixth Form Government School
6 Tsahai Corbin St Joseph’s Convent PoS
7 Necoda & Helon Francis Woodbrook Secondary School
8 Cavel Gorden Bishop’s High School Tobago
9 Ishmeal Isaac East Mucurapo Secondary School
10 Nahilah Khalabi Rio Claro East Secondary School
11 Joshua Lowhar St. Joseph Secondary School
12 Sasha Ann Gabriella Moses San Juan South Secondary School
13 Marq Pierre North Eastern College
14 Jerrisha Regis Corpus Christi College

Truely an elder in the Calypso artform, Percival Oblington ‘The Mighty Striker’, died on Saturday 5th, 2011, after being ill for some time. Born in 1930, Striker would be remembered for his long service together with capturing the Calypso King Competition in 1958 and 1959.

Developing…

Percy ‘Striker’ Oblington

‘Mighty Striker’ dies at 81
By Joan Rampersad and Seeta Persad
PERCY OBLINGTON, known in the Calypso arena as “The Mighty Striker”, died on Saturday at the age of 81, after reportedly suffering with prostate cancer. He was at the time singing with the Kaiso Karavan tent.

Calypso icon Striker dies
By Wayne Bowman
The Mighty Striker, one of the longest surviving calypsonians, died on Saturday after being ill for some time. An active, longstanding member of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) East Zone, Striker won the Calypso King Competition, now the National Calypso Monarch competition, back to back in 1958 and 1959.

Following Gross’ introduction was the award-winning Trinidad and Tobago musical-drama group, the Jeunes Agape Choir. With voices blending in unison they performed a medley of “Money is King” by Neville ‘Growling Tiger’ Marcano, “Shame and Scandal” by Fitzroy ‘Lord Melody’ Alexander and “Never Ever Worry” by Alric ‘Lord Pretender’ Farrell.

Many of the legends of Calypso who had great success during the 1939-1980 period have since passed. Others, such as Black Stalin are reveling in their success by presenting their musical talents with the rest of the world. Some of our young and upcoming Calypsonians as well as some veterans in the business had the honour of presenting some of these songs to the NAPA audience. These twentieth century Calypso Monarch songs and the artistes that lent their voices to them were: Spoiler’s “Pick Sense out of Nonsense” (1955) sung by Fede; Relator’s “Food Prices” (1980) sung by Peter Cipriani; Dougla’s “Split Meh in Two” (1931) sung by Tracey Donald; Spoiler’s “Bed Bud” (1953) sung by Erphaan Alves; Sniper’s “Portrait of Trinidad” (1965) sung by Kwesi Jeffers; Mighty Duke’s “Black is Beautiful” (1969) sung by Duane O’Connor (preceded by a theatrical presentation of the song by the Players from Creative Arts, U.W.I.); medley of “Joan and James” (1964), “Last Elections” (1967) and “Pan Jamboree” (1966) – tributes to The Mighty Bomber, The Mighty Cypher and The Mighty Terror respectively by the Maisha Zuri Choir; Black Stalin’s “Caribbean Unity” and “Play One” by Kurt Allen and Lord Kitchener’s “Tribute to Spree Simon” and “Fever” by Winston ‘De Original De Fosto Himself’ Scarborough.

Fortunate to be present to share their Calypso history were living legends Mighty Striker, Mighty Sparrow, Calypso Rose and Chalkdust. Percy ‘Mighty Striker’ Oblington was the first of the four Calypso legends to appear on stage. The D’Abadie-born ‘Striker’, born in 1930, started his Calypso career in the nineteen forties. ‘Striker’ was the first Calypsonian to win the Calypso Monarch Competition for two consecutive years, 1958 and 1959. Looking dapper, consistent with the look of the ‘old time’ Calypsonians, ‘Striker’ sang his winning 1959 renditions of “Ban the Hoola Hoop” and “Comparison.” Certainly, the audience was reminded of why he deserved his one thousand dollars and silver trophy first prizes that year.

Also gracing the stage was Hollis ‘Chalkdust’ Liverpool, Calypsonian, teacher, historian, writer and eight-time winner of the Calypso Monarch Competition. Born in 1941, around the time when the Steelpan was still taking root in the country, Chalkdust was destined to become one of the most successful Calypsonians in Trinidad and Tobago history. Some of his winning songs include “Three Blind Mice” and “Ah Put on Meh Guns Again” (1976), “Juba Dubai” and Shango Vision” (1977), “ Ah Can’t Make” and “My Kind of Worry” (1981), “Chauffeur Wanted” and “Carnival Is the Answer” (1989), “Kaiso Sick in de Hospital” and “Misconceptions” (1993), “Fish Monger” and “Trinidad in the Cemetery” (2004), “I in Town Too Long” and “Ah Doh Rhyme” (2005), and “Doh Touch My Heart” (2009). ‘Chalkdust’ proudly delivered some of his most popular songs with a touch of his infamous smooth, sideways slide dance on the NAPA stage.

When the Queen of Calypso, McCartha ‘Calypso Rose’ Lewis, made her entrance on stage she was greeted with thunderous applause. ‘Rose’, born on April 27th, 1940, in Bethel, Tobago was the first female to win the Road March title in 1977 with her rendition of “Tempo” which she delivered to the NAPA audience receiving much approval. She also rendered perennial favorites “Fire In Meh Wire” (1965), “Her Majesty” (1978) and “I Thank Thee” (1978). She proudly pointed out that she was not only the first female Calypso Monarch, but was the first Calypso Monarch ever – the name changing from Calypso King with the anticipation of her victory that year. Calypso Rose also won the Calypso Queen Competition for five consecutive years from 1974 to 1978 and has written over eight hundred songs altogether. Looking strong and physically fit, Rose delivered an outstanding performance commanding the attention of the audience with her usual dancing, chanting and catchy lyrics.

Arguably the most touching moment was when Calypso King Dr. Slinger ‘Mighty Sparrow’ Francisco appeared on stage. Also known as the ‘Birdie’, the Grenadian-born seventy-five year old, although visibly ill, still had the vocal strength and the courage to grace the NAPA stage. Before this though, players from Creative Arts U.W.I. delivered a remarkable theatrical presentation of his 1960 winning Calypso “Ten To One Is Murder”. The song is said to be inspired by true a true event involving Vernon Ottley, his lady friend Miss Kent and The Mighty Sparrow. As Caldwell Taylor in “Sparrow and the Arithmetic of Self-Defense Ten To One Is Murder” tells us,

The trouble that inspired “Ten to One” got started when, according to Vernon Ottley, Sparrow threw a lecherous gaze on Miss Kent, Ottley’s “girl”, who hailed from (Paradise) Grenada. Naturally Vernon asserted his property rights and objected to the bard’s trespass. Heated words were hurled into the sweated air inside the Miramar and Sparrow and his buddy, Calypsonian Lord Creator, very wisely decided to cut out. Vernon and his crew gave chase; they were all wearing their garlic-smeared razors.

www.spiceislandertalkshop.com

Too weak to stand, Sparrow sat though his performances. This situation was distressing to many who were saddened to see the ‘Birdie’ in such an unusual position. However, his voice was still as one could have remembered, which mitigated the situation to some extent. On the second night, although still ill, the legend was joined by ‘Calypso Rose’, Erphaan Alves, Fede, Roderick ‘Chucky’ Gordon, Kurt Allen, Duane O’Connor, Kwesi Jeffers and players from Creative Arts U.W.I. Their presence helped a great deal to liven Sparrow’s spirits and their combined performance gave the audience a treat to forever remember. Songs included “Jean and Dinah” (1956) “Mae Mae” (1960) and “Congo Man” (1965) which the audience lustily sang along to. Although no longer as vibrant as he used to be the ‘Sparrow’ that we’ve all grown accustomed to and enjoyed over the years would always remain with us.

Contributing to making the event a memorable one were Earl Brooks, who played the Steelpan with dexterity and grace accompanying artistes Kurt Allen and Winston ‘De Fosto’ Scarborough; background vocalists, Adanna, Cindy, Louisa, Michell and Patricia; and Enrique Moore and the members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Band.

Overall, this event was well-organized and well-presented. The storylines in the theatrical presentations and the performances of the Calypsonians both young and old clearly defined what was intended: a vision of Trinidad and Tobago though Calypso history. Certainly, all in attendance would be happy to remember part of the evolution of our country’s music and would hopefully continue to propagate this history for years to come.

NAPA Fest in pictures

The Show is expected to be filled with pump and flare as the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism brings down the curtains on what has been dubbed “A Worthwhile Endeavour”, that generated great public interest thanks to an array of outstanding performances by local entertainers. This proved that the talent of acting, singing, dancing and musical performances are not just something possessed internationally but also extends to Trinidad and Tobago with our very diverse culture.

The outstanding themes of NAPA Fest, namely, “Musical Festival Highlights”, “Genesis in Steel”, “Pop Meets Steel”, “Nache”, “El Cerro Del Aripo”, “Tobago Heritage Highlights” as well as the “Prime Minister’s Best Village Highlights”, offered the public the opportunity to witness the true talent of the young and old.

The mix of the national instrument – the steel pan at two of the NAPA Fest shows, proved to be a cool relaxing mix of music that skilled performers played with avidness. The performances were further perfected by the joy and energy of the performers as they played reverently and danced to the music. At “Pop meets Steel”, the players were able to perfect some very popular songs with the steel pan giving an interesting twist to songs like “Killing Me Softly” and “Ordinary People” as well as providing a spectacular rendition “Human Nature” and “Rock With You” Ken “Professor” Philmore made an appearance and gave an outstanding display of musical talent, leaving the audience amazed with his effortless, skillful and energetic pan playing. They were understandably disappointed as he left the stage after such a skillful performance, leaving them cheering louder than ever.

NAPA Fest also featured electrifying singing and dancing presentations that brought the heart of our culture to the fore with fabulous presentations depicting the true beauty of our East Indian heritage. There was also vibrant and exhilarating African drumming and dancing that portrayed the dramatic nature of the African people. But the most entertaining of all was the mix of both the Indian instrumentals and the African drumming that produced the most beautiful music that left the audience impressed with the performance of the whole group.

NAPA Fest has truly been an entertaining, fulfilling event which provided a forum to develop, nurture, encourage and cultivate young talent as well as ensure that the culture of Trinidad and Tobago lives on. Indeed, culture, in fact Multiculturalism has found a home at NAPA.

For further information you can contact Napa Box Office at 798-3469 or 625-6962 The Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism Office.

Palaance, Palaance!
Masqueraders turned Port-of-Spain, San Fernando and venues across the country into a “palance party” as they gave Soca Monarchs JW and Blaze’s hit “Palance” a runaway victory in the Road March race.

No stopping Palance in Road March race

‘Palance’, MacFarlane take over Downtown
An early start to Downtown Carnival saw an explosion of colour and more time to palance on the streets of Port of Spain yesterday.

Mac Farlane ‘resurrects’
Large Band of the Year winner for 2009 Brian Mac Farlane’s Resurrection: The Mas was a smash hit with spectators in Port-of-Spain as many expressed pride to see the return of “long time mas.”

Ronnie and Caro aim for hat-trick
Husband and wife masmakers Ronnie and Caroline McIntosh were determined to score a hat-trick and capture the coveted Medium Band of the Year title.

Rainforests, chiefs dominate south mas

Sales slow, city vendors complain
Sales were slow this Carnival, a cadre of vendors in Port of Spain complained yesterday.

Bikinis, feathers for ‘India mas’
East Indian themes were a popular choice for large bands participating in the Parade of the Bands yesterday with two presentations based entirely on some aspect of East Indian culture and another two with sections in tribute to the Asian mystique.

‘Corbeaux’ draws stares on Ariapita
Ariapita Avenue in Woodbrook was transformed into a catwalk of culture yesterday, as masqueraders opted for costumes that reflected the diversity of the Eastern world as opposed to beads and bikinis.

Smaller crowds, less mas in Sando Carnival

Jack: Bigger mas for Chaguanas in 2011
A bigger and brand new Chaguanas Carnival is what Chaguanas West Member of Parliament is promising for residents of Central.

12,000 in Central mas
At about 7.30 pm on Monday an estimated crowd of 12,000 converged on the Carapichiama Junction in Waterloo for its popular night mas.

Queen of the bands

The spirit of a King

‘I began to pray’
“It was me versus the wind and the most I could have done at the point in time was say my prayers. It could have been worse.” This is how San Fernando King of Carnival Aaron Kalicharan, 25, felt when he collapsed under the weight of his costume “Danhyang Desa” during his appearance on stage at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain on Sunday night. He was a finalist in the national King of Carnival competition at Dimanche Gras.

Kurt rules

CNMG moves against Gayelle over Carnival rights
State-owned television station Caribbean New Media Group (CNMG) has sent a lawyer’s letter to Gayelle The Channel for what it says is its illegal broadcasting of the parade of the bands on Carnival Monday and Tuesday.

Warner lauds Silver Stars

Philbert: Police searches reduced violent crimes

Spectators feel safe for Carnival

Skin, the order of the day
Skin, skin and more skin was the order of the day yesterday, as masqueraders chose to wear next to nothing as they paraded the city streets.

Cops ready to pounce on illegal ‘cool downs’
Police officers will be taking a zero tolerance approach against persons engaging in or attempting to host any illegal leisure activity on Manzanilla Beach today.

Shurwayne takes Groovy Monarch

Pay but no view for int’l viewers of Soca Monarch
Foreign Internet users tuning in to the International Soca Monarch finals at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain on Friday night received a rude awakening after realising they were unable to view the much-anticipated competition.

The killing of Carnival?
Our Steelbands, Calypso, Soca and Chutney, and the whole magnificent spectacle of Mas, have all been relegated, in terms of development, support and facilities, to a status well below Mr Manning’s personal choices of 1940’s American “Big Bands” and European Symphony Orchestras.