The National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) Lotto Plus Chutney Soca Monarch Competition’s ability to generate more than $20 million worth of exposure still has not won the event the respect it deserves. So said George Singh, chief executive officer of Southex Promotions, producer of the show, at Wednesday’s launch of the 2014 edition held at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad.
“Even though the Chutney Soca Monarch has become one of the most important events and one of the biggest, most glamorous and most expensive productions in Carnival, there is still disparity in the way that governments, past and present, look at the event. “That there is discrimination and inequality in a country where every creed and race find an equal place, the time has come to level the playing fields,” he said.
“Our chutney soca artistes and the industry are just as important as any other in this multi-racial, multi-talented country of ours. We are building the bridges to tomorrow, taking culture to heights never before imagined. We are building our nation and creating a foundation for many to follow.” According to Singh, “The Chutney Soca Monarch is more than an event. It is the development of an industry, its people, a country and our culture.”
Singh said music remains the driving force of the five major Carnival productions: Panorama, Dimanche Gras, Parade of the Bands, International Soca Monarch and the Chutney Soca Monarch. However, he said the Chutney Soca Monarch and the International Soca Monarch are the events that stand out. “The productions are grand, they are expensive, but the investments are sound.
“What if I said that additional long-term value from both the Soca Monarch and the Chutney Soca Monarch to hotels, artistes, corporate T&T and the retail industry can add this value to well over $100m annually?” He likened both competitions to the Grammy Awards and the Oscars in the US.