AHEAD of the Ultimate Soca Champion competition on February 20, the show's promoter and organiser Jerome “Rome” Precilla gave a stern warning to finalists against dropping out of the competition at the last minute.
“We have already put in our two reserves into the final and what we have seen in the semifinal is some people withdrawing from the competition two days before,” he complained.
Neil “Iwer” George withdrew from the semifinals a mere two days before it was held. Three days before that, Trinidad Killa also withdrew owing to not being able to perform virtually.
When he spoke to finalists as they drew for their performance places at GMLabs on February 13, Rome said the organisers would not tolerate last-minute dropping out.
[caption id="attachment_1138875" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Ultimate Soca Champion organiser Jerome 'Rome' Precilla smiles as singer Kristina James selects singing position number four at the live draw.[/caption]
“We’ve had hundreds of people who applied to be in this competition, who came to the auditions and came into the semifinals. You all were given the opportunity to represent your craft and your music at the final stages and any one of you who wants to withdraw from the competition without a reasonable explanation will not be allowed to re-enter this competition next year,” Precilla said.
He reiterated that the ban would be in effect for a year.
“We can’t have people taking up a spot that could have gone to somebody else and who could have been given this opportunity and then they wake up one morning and decide they not feeling to be in this again. This is not a feeling, this is people’s careers we are dealing with."
He told the finalists, “If you want to withdraw, withdraw now! If not, just know the consequences of your actions.”
Precilla told Newsday that unexpected withdrawals place an unfair burden on reserve contestants who would consequently be given less time to prepare.
[caption id="attachment_1138876" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Some of the finalists for the Youth and Ultimate Soca Champion shows at GMLabs after they drew for their performance/singing positions on Thursday.[/caption]
“It puts them (reserves) at a disadvantage. If you drop out two days before the competition you’d have taken up the spot of somebody who could have gotten the opportunity to showcase their talent.
“If you want to drop out it’s better you give ample notice, if you don’t think you can prepare in time, give somebody else the opportunity to prepare. Because remember, those contestants have two rehearsals with the bands plus they have to arrange their props, dancers and all of. So we want to give everyone a fair shot.”
He told Newsday the warning did not only apply to contestants in Ultimate Soca Champions but to anyone considering entering a similar competition.
[caption id="attachment_1138877" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Akeem "Preedy" Chance who draw singing position number ten.[/caption]
“This is a serious thing. It’s not something you can just jump in
