A huge crowd came out Sunday afternoon to watch 24 young men, women, and children sing and dance their talents to calypso beats of the Xpress Band, while sending out messages to stop crime on St Croix.
The 28th Annual Junior Calypso Competition at Island Center for the Performing Arts began with the iconic father of Calypso, Inc., Camille “King Derby” Macedon’s introductory joke telling, which evoked cheers of laughter from the playful audience. Turning serious for a moment, Derby then gave a strong message of praise to audience-member Gov. John de Jongh Jr. for his support of keeping the calypso culture thriving.
“I have never had a governor that has supported children like de Jongh,” he said.
The Pee Wee calypsonians then took the stage and began singing their messages, many written by Derby, of being model students, maintaining good grades, and keeping V.I. history important.
The crowd got excited when young Nevaeh Crump and Kencicia Wade, “The Heavenly Bodies” from Richmond Headstart sang a tune called “My Island” that earned them the winning trophy for the Pee Wee division.
Another audience favorite was Deondre “Young Scabbie” Cascen from the Pee Wee I division, when he showed up in a fireman outfit and sang a safety jingle called “Matches.” However, Caliya Helliger, “Lil Diva,” won the event with an untitled song that seemed geared toward the growing crime on the island.
The Pee Wee II division had the most contestants, with six children performing, sending more solid messages about the importance of good behavior in school. Johnaya “Lil Moyo” Christopher, winner of the division, from Eulalie R. Rivera Elementary School, came out dancing in a glittering pink diva-outfit, as she cheerfully sang an instructional ditty called “911” about the importance of calling the police or EMTs during an emergency.
Lamalia “Lady Mya” Milliagan, from the Intermediate I division got a big response from the audience when she sang “Rude Child” about the disruptions that can happen in life if you behave poorly. She tied with Keshaundia “Princess K” Quinn, who came out dancing powerfully across stage as she and belted out a song called “Crime” about the rising violence in St. Croix.
The Intermediate division was next, and Carl Michael James, “Island Fire” sang the winning piece called “What Would You Do?” another song with a message about the rising crime rate on the island.
First time singer, and winner of the Junior I division, Keosha “Crucian Empress” Quinn, singing her tune “Direction,” got the enthusiastic crowd singing along with her to the line “give us directions, and I will not go astray, no way.”
Derby then took the stage to give an emotional speech about how sad he was to see Junior division this year, because it’s their final year singing for the competition.
“I love these children, they are good kids. They are so appreciative,” he said of them.
Demaris “Queen Terror” Belardo, a thirteen-time winner from Bridges Academy, won the crown, with her tune “Whootop” about being grateful to the deJongh- Francis administration. This was clearly the audience favorite, and the crowd erupted in cheers as she sang happily about how lucky the calypsonians are to have them for four more years.
Calypso music will continue during the Festival season when the Calypso Monarch finals are held at the Island Center on Jan. 4.
Pee Wee division
Winner: Nevaeh Crump and Kencia Wade, “The Heavenly Bodies
First runner-up: Noel “Junito” Tirado,
Second runner-up: Lacota “Lady Thang” Meyers
Pee Wee I
Winner: Caliyah "Lil Diva" Helliger,
First runner-up: Aliyah “Queen Lisa” Hutchinson,
Second runner-up: Deondre “Young Scabbie” Cascen
Pee Wee II
Winner: Jahnaya “Lil Moyo” Christopher
First runner-up: Lyon “The Lion” Payne
Second runner-up: “Jahmilia “Pumpkin Pie” Weeks and Asherah “Queen Sherrah” Joseph
Intermediate
Winner: Carl Michael James “Island Fire”
First runner-up: Gerard “Mighty GDT”
Intermediate I
Winner: Keshaundia “Princess K” Quinn
First runner-up: Laquisha “Queen Quisha” Hillaire
Second runner-up: Eliser “Big B” Belus
Junior I
Winner: Keosha “Crucian Empress” Quinn
First runner-up: D’Andra “Lady Florence” Benjamin
Second runner-up: Glenn “Prince Smiley” Thomas
Junior II
Winner: Demaris “Queen Terror” Belardo
First runner-up: Shanice “Shanno” Joseph
A complete schedule, photos, music samples, and other information about this year’s festival can be found online at www.stxfestival.com.
