Sheynnene does it again

Ten-year-old Sheynnene Hazel has copped the 2004 TUCO/Sunshine Snacks Junior Calypso Monarch title for a second consecutive year, after beating out a field of 18 contestants at the Queen’s Park Savannah yesterday. This year’s victory was sweeter though, as Hazel did it all by herself. Last year, the Melville Memorial Girls’ AC School student had to share the title with two other contestants. After being announced winner, Hazel told the media: “I feel excited and I am happy to retain my crown and I want to congratulate the second and third place winners.” Hazel also praised her younger sister Shalleika, who was also a finalist in the same competition and an early crowd favourite. “This is her first year, she is very brave and I am glad she placed fifth,” said the older Hazel.

Hazel’s song titled “De New Mall” knocked students who took the National Library for what she termed the new mall. The song was cleverly constructed and Hazel exuded total confidence throughout the performance. As the winner, Hazel will be taking home $5,000 in cash and a computer. Placing second and receiving $4,000 in cash was St Benedict’s College student Rondell Donawa who also gave a polished performance. His song, entitled “Choices,” was about his choice to use his talent to become a cultural ambassador playing the pan, instead of becoming a vagrant. Third place winner of $3,000 was Jamal George of Bishop’s High School in Tobago. Dressed in national colours, like five other contestants in the competition, George, in song, said that the country has to bond like father and son if we are to solve the societal and crime problem. Excellent performances and strong statements yesterday also came form 4th place winner Roderick Gordon and Hazel’s younger sister Shalleika.

However, making the strongest statement on the day and perhaps too much for the judges was Tranquillity Government Secondary student Evelena Bruce, who knocked authorities for “Finger Pointing” youths engaging in crime, without stopping to find out all the reasons why that is so. She was unplaced. Earlier, acting Prime Minister Joan Yuille-Williams made a brief appearance on stage while Junior Minister in her Ministry of Community Development and Culture, Eddie Hart, sat in the stands for the entire show. After the competition, the children were treated to guest performances by top soca artistes Maximus Dan and Shurwayne Winchester, who had them jumping in a wild frenzy.

The top ten results in yesterday’s final by place/name/song/school.
1st — Sheynnene Hazel, “De New Mall,” Melville Memorial Girls.
2nd — Rondell Donawa, “Choices,” St Benedict’s College.
3rd — Jamal George, “Time To Bond,” Bishop’s High School, Tobago.
4th — Roderick Gordon, “Stop Stereotyping,” St Augustine Senior Comprehensive.
5th — Shalleika Hazel, Daddy’s Horn,” Melville Memorial Girls.
6th — Ezekiel Yorke, “Double Standards,” Crystal Street Government Primary.
7th — Dineka Nelson, “Fight,” San Fernando Government School.
8th — Marcel Bennett, “Apologise,” Holy Cross College.
9th — Tiffany Cox, “Mad Cow Effect,” Mt Hope Junior Secondary.
10th — Kirk Ross, “Bad Boys,” Belmont Junior Secondary.