In its bid to contribute to the development of the calypso art form among the youth, the Roosevelt Douglas Primary School will host a grand “Calypso Monarch Competition” on Thursday, February 1st, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. at the school grounds. The show will feature nine (9) student calypsonians comprising of three (3) boys and six (6) girls ranging in ages 8 through 13, from grade three (3) to grade six (6).
The RDPS Calypso Monarch competition promises to be a show of a high standard. Patrons can expect to be entertained by DJ Blend in between performances as well as guest appearances by seasoned calypsonians Comforter, Mika, Royette, Black Diamond, Observer and King Trilla G.
The newly crowned Junior Bouyon Monarch of Dominica “Moxie Shervy”, 4 th runner up in the Junior Calypso Monarch “Nifty Ni” and Miss Teen Dominica contestant Renia Joseph all from the Portsmouth Secondary School will also make appearances.
Patrons can expect to pay a small contribution at the gate ($10 for adults, $7 for high school and college students and $5 for primary school children) to enter. A variety of foods and drinks will be on sale as the school hopes to raise funds to cover its operational expenses.
Production of the competition has thus far been made possible through the kind donations of businesses in and around the Portsmouth community, namely: 3C’s Spotlight Restaurant & Bar, BLAST Portsmouth, Devine’s Ink Airbrush and Custom Painting, Steak House Restaurant, Parkview Mini Mart, Intercontinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, Marga’s Front Yard Grill and the Portsmouth Town Council, as well as the Sign Man.
During a recent media launch of the event, RDPS Principal, Mr. Micheal Pierre shared these sentiments:
“We embrace a holistic approach to education thus we strive to nurture the God given talents in every student and as a result the curriculum we deliver goes beyond the pure academic subjects to include physical education and sport, agriculture, through the 4-H program and visual and performing arts, the latter being the driving force behind the organizing of this show”.
All are encouraged to attend the show and support the budding student-calypsonians.
