Bunji sure of victory

The draw was held yesterday at the TSTT Administrative Building, Edward Street, Port-of-Spain.

Soca diva Faye Ann Lyons drew the second position with Nadia Batson taking third spot followed by Sheldon Douglas and big gun Shurwayne Winchester, coming in at position five.

Miss Alysha pulled sixth position with Rita Jones, Sanell Dempster, Iwer George, Mista Vybe and Bunji Garlin singing at seven, eight, nine, ten and 11 respectively.

Simultaneously, the drawing for positions in the International Groovy Soca Monarch Competition took place at the same venue with Roderick "Chucky" Gordon pulling first spot, Sean Caruth taking second position, Zan featuring Patrice Roberts drawing third position, Michelle Sylvester getting fifth spot and Surge drawing sixth position.

The draw started an hour late, but several of the soca industry’s top artistes were still there. Reigning soca monarch Bunji Garlin’s manager and representative for the draw Ian Pantin said Bunji is comfortable with the position he drew and felt confident about his chances on Friday night.

"For this year’s performance, Bunji will surpass his performance of last year, so expect something and look out for him."

Iwer George’s manager and representative Miguel Drakes said Iwer felt very good about his singing position in the competition. "It was a number we wanted anyway," he said. Terry Seales said he was comfortable with whatever position he drew for this year’s International Soca Monarch Competition.

"From the start of the Soca Monarch preliminaries, I was ready to perform," stated Seales. Sanell Dempster said she felt good about getting any number, but she felt six and eight were very good numbers.

"I also feel confident and good about the competition and I’ll be putting my best foot forward," Dempster said.

Faye Ann Lyons felt blessed for the position that she drew for the International Soca Monarch finals, while Rita Jones said she was very excited to get the lucky seventh position.

Chairman of Caribbean Prestige Foundation for the Performing Arts William Munroe said his dream for the competition was that the prize money would get to $1 million.

Following is Friday night’s order of appearance:

TSTT International Soca Monarch Competition

1. Terry Seales

2. Faye Ann Lyons

3. Nadia Batson

4. Sheldon Douglas

5. Shurwayne Winchester

6. Miss Alysha

7. Rita Jones

8. Sanell Dempster

9. Iwer George

10. Mista Vybe

11. Bunji Garlin

The TSTT International Groovy Soca Monarch Competition:

1. Roderick "Chucky" Gordon

2. Sean Caruth

3. Zan featuring Patrice Roberts

4. Michelle Sylvester

5. Shurwayne Winchester

6. Surge