Trinidad Crowns New Calypso Monarch

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad CMC – Roderick “Chuckey” Gordon won the one million dollar (One TT dollar = US$0.16 cents) prize in the Calypso Monarch crown here, on Sunday, in a competition that likely signaled the end of an impressive career by a longstanding veteran and former multiple winner.

Gordon, who has described himself as the “last badjohn of Calypso” overcame a strong field of 12 that included three former monarchs, to lift the title with his political rendition “Wey You Think” and the social commentary “Wedding of De Century”.

The results may have also signaled the end of an illustrious career for Dr. Hollis Liverpool, who was seeking to win his ninth crown, but had to settle for fourth place with his tunes “Ah Miss De Bards” and “De Guest List”.

Former monarch Winston Rawlins (Cro Cro) placed eighth while defending monarch Eric Taylor (Pibnk Panther) placed one spot from the last place that went to Roger “Bodyguard” Mohammed, whose song “False Papers” had generated much controversy leading up to the competition.

Former monarch Kurt Allen placed second with his tunes “Sweet Sizzling Summer” and “The Lost Psalm Of King David” while crowd favourite Selvon “Mistah Shak” Noel took the third prize with his political commentary “Bois” and “Crime Round De Clock”.

Allen and Noel received prizes totaling TT$500,000 and TT$250,000 respectively.

The Carnival activities continue on Monday with the parade of bands amid a decision by four of the top bands not to parade before the judges at the Queen Park Savannah, but would instead take to the “Socadrome” at the Jean Pierre Complex on the outskirts of the capital.

But residents of the area have complained about the new route and Danielle Hunte, Socadrome media relations officer, said a meeting had been held with the residents to deal with their concerns.