Soca stars collect their Carnival winnings

Held in collaboration with Caribbean Prestige Foundation for the Performing Arts (CPF), prizes were presented for the TSTT International Soca Monarch and Groovy Soca Monarch Competitions, including the TSTT People’s Choice Awards.

Shurwayne Winchester, who did the double, was present to collect the International Soca and Groovy Soca Monarch prizes, as well as the People’s Choice Award in the Soca Monarch competition, while Bunji Garlin collected the People’s Choice Award in the Soca Monarch contest.

In delivering greetings on behalf of TSTT, Edghill Messiah, Vice President HR & Administration, said it was noteworthy that some of the top performers of Carnival 2006 happened to be some of the biggest fans of TSTT and bmobile, referring specifically to Winchester, Garlin and joint Road March winner Machel Montano (who was honoured at the function with a Special Award from CPF for his ongoing contribution to the development of soca).

Messiah reminded the gathering, which included Culture Minister Joan Yuille-Williams and CPF executive president William Munro, that the TSTT International Soca Monarch Competition was now one of the most lucrative Carnival competitions since the company increased its financial support for the event this year.

The winner receives $400,000 from TSTT.

Messiah said offering enhanced prizes was the company’s way of rewarding, artistes for their often undervalued contribution to the development of the nation, “for lifting our spirits with their works and giving us new hope and dreams.”