$.5M for 2017 Chutney Soca monarch

The first prize will now be $500,000, with the second prize being $150,000 and third being $75,000, while fourth to tenth places will receive $25,000 each. For the World’s Ultimate Chutney Challenge (WUCC), the first prize is $100,000 with second to tenth place winners set to receive $20,000 each.

Promoter of the event, George Singh, said since the People’s National Movement (PNM) government assumed office, the prize money for the competition has been reduced by 75 percent.

“In 2016, prizes were cut from $4.5 million to $3.5 million and this year the Ministry of Culture revealed that CSM will be given $1.18 million to be divided among 20 artistes,” Singh said.

He added that this is the only platform that gives opportunity to the East Indian artform in T&T and the decision to cut the prize money will hurt the chutney soca industry.

“These singers will not be able to do any elaborate productions in this competition and that in itself is robbing the artiste of their ability to showcase their talent in chutney soca and traditional songs.” Singh said, while he understands that the country is currently experiencing a recession at this time, one has to look at the growth and development of Indo-Caribbean people and their culture through the years. He also said while he appreciates the allocation of the money, he did not expect such drastic cuts.

He made reference to the annual religious event of Divali Nagar saying that the National Council for Indian Culture is an NGO that has been developed to project religious culture.

“We have seen drastic cuts by the government there as well.” Drupatee Ramgoonai, who will be competing in the WUCC, said she is disappointed in the cut in prize money.

“After working so hard to get chutney accepted nationally at the Carnival level and internationally, it is sad to see other genres getting more money,” Drupatee said, adding that nothing can stop her from reaching out to her fans and delivering the best entertainment just as she has done for decades.