Garve Sandy is the new Tobago Heritage Calypso monarch

GARVE Sandy is the new Tobago Heritage Calypso monarch.

Sandy, 27, got the judges’ nod over six other competitors, including her mother, Lesley-Ann Ellis, during Friday’s opening night gala of the 36th annual Tobago Heritage Festival at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex.

The theme of this year’s event, which ends on Emancipation Day (August 1), is Homage: Paying Tribute to All Ah We and All Ah Who Awwe Be.

Sandy, who received $40,000 for her efforts, delivered a spirited performance to a Carl Riley composition, All Ah We, in tribute to those who pioneered the heritage festival and contributed to its development over the years. The tune also highlighted some of the island’s tourist attractions.

THA Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation Tashia Burris presented Sandy with her replica cheque. Sandy, who performed in position number four, got 416 points.

Of her victory, Sandy told Newsday, “My hard work paid off and this gave me a reason to continue. This is the start of the next stage. This victory is definitely a blessing for me.”

Second place went to Caston Cupid with a thought-provoking calypso titled, Have We Done Enough? while Samuel “Ras Ringo” Morris placed third with the rib-tickling ditty, Paying Homage. They got 414 and 409 points respectively.

Ellis came in fourth with An We Strong while Shamika Denoon, who won last year’s heritage monarch title, secured fifth spot with Heritage Warriors.

Other calypsonians in the competition were Giselle “GG” Washington Fraser, Delanie Baynes and newcomer Tylia Naomi Murray. They were judges on lyrics, melody and arrangement.

During the three-and-half-hour opening night gala, Melinda Alfred, of Delicia’s Dance Agency, was also crowned Miss Heritage Personality 2023.

The delegates competed in evening wear depicting various elements of their respective communities.

Friday’s pageant followed to previous rounds of competition earlier this month, which showcased the delegates’ talent and interactive skills.

Sisters in Culture delegate Tamikah Cruickshank and Mason Hall’s Sabrina Henry placed second and third respectively.

In other standings, Castara’s Sparkle Taylor Miller claimed fourth place while Crystal Lashley, of Goodwood Police Youth Club, came in fifth.

Sixth place went to De’jel Quashie, of Golden Lane, with Plymouth/Bethesda’s Nikia Scott bringing up the rear in seventh spot.

Hosts Rion Makoul and Avian Parks also announced several special prizes.

Reigning national calypso monarch Ta’zyah O’Connor, Adana Roberts, Dejon Saul and Kezia Frederick entertained the audience, which included Assistant Secretary in the Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation Megan Morrison, other THA members and First Citizens deputy CEO (business generation) Jason Julien. First Citizens has been a long-standing sponsor of the festival.

Burris said the festival is more than just an event.

“It is a joyous ode to our ancestry, a testament to the traditions and customs that have shaped our beautiful island over the centuries,” she said in a pre-recorded video address.

Reflecting on the theme, Burris said homage is not simply the act of remembrance ot limited to those who have passed on but a profound expression of gratitude, respect and admiration for the people who inspired generations of Tobagonians with their brilliance, courage and compassion.

She added homage is also about recognising the collective power of human connections.

“We stand on the shoulders of giants and it is our duty to carry their legacies forward, to build upon their work and to pass on the lessons they have taught us to future generations.”

Burris urged Tobagonians to reflect on the people, both past and present, who have enriched their lives over the years.

“As we pay homage, let it be a call to action, a reminder that we are responsible for making a positive impact in our own unique ways. Just as we stand honouring the giants that have walked before us, let us strive to become giants ourselves, leaving a legacy of kindness, compassion and progress for those who would follow in our footsteps.”

Burris also said the festival is reminder that while the island embraces progress and modernity “we must never forget the roots that ground us.”

Morrison also spoke.