The Rounds - March 19, 2006

Dr. Jay’s Rounds
Karen Richardson
March 19, 2006
Good Evening Soca lovers. I’m Nurse Karen and these are Dr. Jay’s Rounds.
I had a late start this morning after the return fete. Aye Aye Aye! Well, I hope YOU’RE well rested by now, because have I got some news for you…
Last week I was raving about how nice the weather is getting, but I find I spoke too soon. Outside it’s not miserable, but it IS cold, so let’s start by taking a trip down to Jamaica.
Carnival fetes are heating up in fine style. Last weekend Byron Lee and the Dragonaires played to multitude of soca fans in Negril. The night saw performances from Admiral Bailey and Noddy Virtue. Virtue was the second place finisher in Jamaica’s rising star competition. The highlight of the night came with the “Tiney Winey” contest….I feel I could win something like THAT!
On Wednesday and Thursday, you might have got a sneak peak at Antigua Carnival on BET Jazz. The Government is hoping that the TV special will mean a big boost in tourism for this year’s carnival season. Mind you, I hope the visitors aren’t too disappointed in July when they can’t find any Jazz to listen to at all. Pure soca, meh friends, yuh can’t fight it!
Well, it might be pure Soca at Caribana this Summer too, or should I say Toronto carnival? That’s right! The Caribbean Cultural Committee is in the City’s bad books once again. But, don’t let me be the bearer of bad news. I’ll just say this: In 2006, just like four years ago, the Toronto Mas Bands Association will be runnin’ the whole show. And since they don’t own the name Caribana…we really can’t call it that, now can we?
Remember I told you about the Carib Soca Monarch competition in Guyana? Let me refresh you memory. Back in February, Michelle “Big Red” King won the Soca Monarch title and was upstaged by a fellow competitor who called for a recount just as the judges announced their decision. The trouble maker in question was Adrian Dutchin. Well Soca People, Mr. Dutchin got his recount, and with that, he also got the Soca Monarch crown. Yep, I couldn’t believe it either. The scores were audited and it appears that one of the judges does not know how to count. Now, in case any of the Guyanese judges are listening now, ah have a l’il message for you. Two One’s are two (two one’s are two), two two’s are four. Two three’s are six…and --Learn your arithmetic!
Dutchin is smiling now and I have to say, Big Red is a lucky lady too, because even though she was proven not to be the winner, Both she and the real soca KING are going home with $500 THOUSAND Guyana dollars. Dah could buy dem both a roti and a sea moss. Hey hey! I’m nurse Karen and those are Doctor Jay’s Rounds. Send your comments to Soca at FLOW 935 DOT COM. Now back to de doctor…