Chutney Monarch refuses Southex’s prize

FOUR TIME winner of the Chutney Soca Monarch title Rikki Jai , who tied with Heeralal Rampartap for first place in this year’s event, refused to accept the $60,000 prize offered by Southex Promotions.

However, Heeralal collected his cheque during a ceremony at the Hospitality Suite at Carib Brewery Limited yesterday. Jai told Newsday he entered the competition with the aim of winning a first prize of $100,000.  “I competed among the best in this field and I won the competition together with another singer, then we should both get the deserving first prize of $100,000 each. I am not accepting the cheque for $60,000 because I believe the winner of such a prestigious title deserves the prize that was advertised,” he said.

Jai said the winner should not just take with what is offered and stay quiet. “Why should the promoters dictate to us what we should settle for?” he asked. “Then there should be no judges in this competition. The promoters should decide who they want to give whatever sum of money to and also which artiste they prefer,” he said angrily. Southex Promotions held their Chutney Soca Monarch at Skinners Park, San Fernando, in February. Other winners included Rooplal Girdharie who placed third and collected $10,000. Although Marcia Miranda and Nigel Salikram placed 4th and 5th respectively, they and all the other finalists collected $5,000 each.  There was a poor turn out of winners at the prize giving function yesterday.  Chief co-ordinator of this event George Singh told the small gathering the prize money will increase for next year’s competition. He assured winners that some $300,000 will be handed out in the 2004 competition.