International Soca Awards - Comedy of errors

THE International Soca Awards which took place at NAPA on Saturday 26th November 2011 was a comedy of errors that was only saved by Master of Ceremonies and comedian, Tommy Joseph.

Hosted by US-based iSA organization, SAO Soca Awards Ltd/Soca Awards Organization Inc, and supported by Trinidad and Tobago's Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism reportedly to the tune of $1.2 million, founder and CEO, Colin Jackman, known as CJ in the calypso world, had assured that everything was going to be in place for the event. However very little planning seemed to have gone into the project.

It was apparent that things were going to go awry, the day before the event at the "Meet with the Stars" function organized by the promoters. No "star" was present, and neither was Jackman. Chairs around reserved table remained undisturbed.

The event was billed as a gala awards ceremony with a high profile international entertainment superstar - who Jackman had expected in the country on Thursday - as the "special invited guest presenter." There was no "international entrainment superstar" at the event.

It seems there was no stage manager; Divine Echoes the accompanying band for the night remained on stage for the entire show whether they were accompanying artistes or not, even though there is a movable stage for that purpose. Also, there was no visual presentation of the artistes, nor their videos to accompany either the nominations or the presentation of awards.

When Miss TT-World Leigh Ann Forbes was called on stage to present some honorees, including Winston "Gypsy" Peters (absent) she did not seem to be aware of what she were supposed to do.

Mr Minister this is the second awards show in 2011 at NAPA you provide tax payers dollars to the promoters with poor results - you are wasting tax payers dollars.

 

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  • Terry, No one ever went to jail in T&T for misappropriation of government funds, it is easy for certain people to misuse [thief] tax payers dollars. Government should make all these groups account for monies given as soon as Carnival finish.

    • Cecil, I see the article DISSAPEAR in lees than 10 minutes WST what is this???? are you in the cover-up too.

      Cecil I glad you reply YOU CANNOT STOP THE INTERNET the article was published in Today's Newsday why you censor it.

      • Posting full articles from other media outlets without the expressed written permission of the author in  the WST forum is unacceptable. Members who violate this rule will have their post removed.

        Members can post a couple of paragraphs from the article and provide a direct link (url) to where the article is published.

        • Terry, WST got to cover their ass.  At this time we as members of WST invite all our brothers and sisters who are lawyers to identify themselves so that if ever [GOD forbid] Pan Times, WST need your services they could give you ah holla. [for free] lol

  • Get ready for a new culture minister, gypsy is in the dog-house.

  • What's the logic behind having this show in the US?

  • I cannot believe after a no show by the Artiste in SOCA backyard in Trinidad last year these people want our Tax Dollars.

    Gypsy better come good and do not get egg in his face. We know this is all BOBAL and CRONYISM..... 

  • It´s a real shame.Soca and T&T looking so good international.

  • Founder and CEO Colin Jackman aka CJ is the son Minister of Culture Winston "Gypsy" Peters..............Allyuh ent know dat????? PG's comment was "hitting the nail on the head".

    • Did someone fart in the room? something here is smelling. LMAO!

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