Little Cro-Cro scores big in South

Kerise Marie Rawlins, the daughter of controversial calypsonian Weston Rawlins, aka "Cro-Cro," last week walked away winner of the TTUTA St Patrick District Staff Representatives Calypso Competition.

The feisty eight-year-old also copped the prize for the most original traditional Calypso at the competition with her Calypso titled, "Fight," which was composed by her father.

Rawlins, a Standard Two pupil of the Point Fortin RC School, was full of confidence as she delivered her piece, much to the appreciation of the packed audience at the Siparia Junior Secondary School.

Accompanied by former Xtatic band member, Joseph Rives, Rawlins’ clear diction and passion during her rendition, similar to that of her father’s, received a standing ovation after her performance at the competition.

The proud Rawlins who is also a top student among her classmates, was in high spirits after learning she had won the competition, beating 11 other primary school students from the St Patrick district.

"I am very happy. I worked hard with my daddy. We practiced for a long time and I am glad I did this for my school. I made my school proud," said the young Rawlins.

Proud mother, Glenda Rawlins, said her daughter deserved to win as she worked really hard, moreso as it was her first time in a competition. "I knew she was brave, but the confident little lady I saw on the stage was something out of this world," said Rawlins.

Cro-Cro, who is just as proud as his wife, said his daughter’s victory is just the beginning for a great Carnival 2006 for the Rawlins family.

"This is the first of many for her and the first of two Calypso crowns for our home this year. She did her part and it’s just a matter of time before I do mine," said Cro-Cro.