On Friday, January 28, it was evident that the large crowd of parishioners who gathered at Mayo RC School came out to have a good lime; and boy, were they in for a night filled with clean fun, plenty laughter and talent!

Tortuga parish's first “Cultural Extravaganza” kicked off with guest appearances from the host community. Performances included a steel orchestra; two little girls who did a calypso dance and Kristen Chan who gave a powerful message about AIDS in her monologue.

Gasparillo's “Rillo Saints” Youth Group then showed the crowd how to dance the meringue. Parish priest, Fr Steve Duncan, attempted to sing his calypso but he was only able to remember the rhythm of the chorus – more laughter again.

We also had the honour of having calypsonians Randall Hilaire aka “Count Robin” and Reginald Best aka “Companero”, to sing a few of their renditions. They also formed part of the judging team together with Simon and Paula Rostant.

The Calypso Competition then took center stage. Emcees were Johnny Devett from Corosal and Fr Steve. There was no doubt that the Parish Youth Coordinators who organised the event could not have chosen better Masters of Ceremony as the vibrant pair had everyone laughing and energised throughout the night.

The contestants hailed from the head church, Tortuga (Cherisse Alexander and posse), Corosal community (Corosal revellers and Johnny); Gasparillo (“Terrible Talented” -Kyle Alexander and Kiegan Bharat and Naquita Alexander).

From the host community, Mayo, the contestants included the altar servers, Leslie Ann Joseph, Nikki Marchan, Ariel Francis and three members of the Hanky family: Maria, Alicia and Allister. Each of the competitors had enjoyable and beautiful renditions while preaching profound words of wisdom.

Special mention was made of Cherisse who sang about giving Satan a “cuff”. Cherisse's message and amusing antics got the judges' nod as she was granted third place.

Head judge, Simon Rostant, then gave some pointers that future contestants should take note of and many presentations were made. Then the winners were announced – In first place, the Terrible Talented Kyle and Kiegan made mention of Fr Michael O'Connor whose preaching against materialism had inspired them to write their winning rapso piece – “ I love money, only money in the morning, money in the evening, money every day and night! ”

In second place was Naquita Alexander who sang on patriotism. Mayo altar servers copped the special prize for singing on the Eucharist .

The Parish Youth Coordinating team spearheaded by Seraphin Alexander thanks all the communities for their contributions, Florencia Dass and other staff members for the use of the school, Mayo's Music Ministry who accompanied the contestants, the judges, DJ Roy Francis, the emcees and everyone for this successful venture.

The venture came out of the parish assembly (held September 19, 2004 ) to continue celebrating the Eucharistic Year in 2005 in the form of a social event.

To God be the glory!

My question: for 2006, what about an extempo or midnight robber talk competition?