Soca and Chutney Soca clash in 2004

Both William Munro, chairman of Caribbean Prestige International Ltd (CPPI), the promotional outfit for the Soca Monarch competition and Southex chairman George Singh, promoter of the Chutney Monarch competition, were talking of a musical clash during the 2004 Carnival season. Munro and Singh spoke of a clash following the National Lottery Control Board’s (NLCB) announcement of its sponsorship of both competitions for Carnival 2004, at Club Caribbean on Wednesday. Munro joked: “Chutney was the first child to come out of the bowels of the International Soca Monarch.  The latter is the father and mother to all Soca Monarchs throughout the world today.  I am looking forward to discuss with George Singh the first ever clash. We want to see what the child is capable of doing.”

Singh in turn said: “It’s an excellent idea. It’s very possible.” Earlier, National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman Kenny de Silva expressed his pleasure at NLCB coming on board to assist both competitions. He said the competitions had reached the level, in terms of audience, of the Panorama preliminaries in the Savannah. He hoped however though,  when sponsors come on board, they come for a minimum of three years, to give breathing space to the promoters to channel their efforts into the development of their product. “Culture is extremely important to the development of our people and it is a serious component of the social fabric,” he said. Speaking on behalf of the CPPI, Robert Dumas, its marketing consultant, questioned what else needs to be done for the planners of the society to recognise the importance of culture to the economy. He said Soca Monarch is one of the major attractions both in TT and abroad. He added that soca is dynamic yet fragile.

While it may be making inroads in worldwide Carnivals, not so here. Dumas then commended NLCB for their sponsorship stating that he felt it will redound to the benefit of both competitions and their own success. He then announced that the preliminary stage of the competition will be held at Club Caribbean on January 18, 2004, the semis in Guaracara Park on February 7, and Fantastic Friday at the Queen’s Park Oval on February 20. Singh paid tribute to NLCB Chairman Louis Lee Sing who he said made good on his promise to sponsor the competition made at the end of Carnival 2003. Singh said the Chutney Soca Monarch costs $1.3 million to produce and sometimes corporate sponsors are not enough. He said NLCB has taken a giant step in the development of our culture in Trinidad and Tobago and they have shown that they understand the diverse mix of the society. Singh then proclaimed that the general public will be in for a major surprise in 2004, which in the end will benefit Trinidad and Tobago. He also announced new rules for the Chutney Soca Monarch, in that the reigning monarch will not have a automatic qualification into the finals. Also the no-tie rule for the first place will come into effect.

The signing of the Letters of Commitment between the NLCB and the CPPI, and the NLCB and Southex followed, making way for Agt director at NLCB Phyllis Borde to address the gathering. She said that yesterday was a landmark in the history of the NLCB as it launched its title sponsorship to two major fixtures on the Carnival calendar. They also have the Brass Festival. Borde praised Singh and Munro as their competitions grew from a vision to hard work and dedication for the competition’s development to what they are today. Hence the reason for taking the opportunity to sponsor the shows. Borde said that NLCB contributes to the nation’s development from what gaming brings. She added that their marketing is designed to support the community. “It’s part of the ongoing commitment to raise the standard of culture in Trinidad and Tobago. I hope our act today will provide an avenue for others to follow,” ended Borde.