US-based Dominican calypsonian, Sandy, who had been allowed by the Dominica Calypso Association (DCA) to move straight into 2014 calypso quarter final, has pulled out of the competition.
Sandy’s manager, Alex Bruno told Dominica News Online (DNO) on Sunday morning, “She is making plans to leave the country as we speak.”
When asked whether her decision to withdraw was as a result of the negative attention she received because of the controversy which erupted in the wake of the DCA decision, Bruno answered, “Yes, you are correct.”
The decision to allow Sandy to move straight into the quarter final without going through the eliminations was questioned by the reigning calypso monarch, King Dice, who pointed out that he was not afforded similar treatment some years ago when he returned to the competition after a year’s absence. He was monarch when he took a break from competition.
According to the DCA’s president, Derrick “De Hunter” St. Rose, Sandy was allowed to by-pass the eliminations, taking into consideration that she’s based in the United States and it’s expensive to travel back and forth to all the competition rounds and also taking into account that she placed 1st runner-up in the competition a few years ago.
DNO was informed that Sandy’s decision has been conveyed to the DCA. However, when executive member of the association, Daryl Bobb, was contacted for confirmation, he stated, “We will contact you in due course when everything is finalized.”
Bobb also revealed to DNO that former QTS winner and rising calypsonian, Rachel, who made it to the calypso final in 2013, will not be competing this year due to a work-related matter.
This development means that there are now openings for two of the three reserve calypsonians who were selected at the eliminations. The first opportunity was presented with the absence of 2013 finalist, Karessa, who is now studying in Australia.
The three reserves are: JD, Sugar S and Alisha.
The twelve who secured their spot in the quarter final: Young Bull, Wave, Trendsetter, Triumph, Chris B, Leona, Observer, Checko, Booplé, Beetle J, Man Himself and Lugars.
They will go on to meet last year’s twenty semi finalists in the quarter final which is carded for February 1.
I can’t understand why there is so much said about dice,and no one is dealing with the facts all dice is saying why when he return in 2010 he wasnt allow to compete .if this not double standard what is .morelightly I am from Margot and the last two years dice was given the crown of Margot calipsonans, bu t the fact is he is right to speak out at double standard
a lot of us are so blinded by hate ,jealousy and political indifference that we don’t see the real thing about this situation.we start with sandy and where do we end.
your not there sorry you don’t compete.you can be a quest but not a competitor.simple as that.
put yourselves in the place as the ones who didn’t make the finals.then comment or answer that.
This is absolute nonesence no fan of the dice but he is right he as king had to go through elimination y not sandy? this could never happen in the US so don’t try that sandy.
i got your ip address and i know. you don’t have a green card, so be careful don’t let the ins know that you leave in n.j
I think sandy made the right move pulling off from the competition given the controversy that surrounds the issue of she getting a pass to quarter finals.however I must say that the idea she had a weak song or not good enough material for competing this year is absurd.
Sandy’s 2014 calypso that was played on the radio VERY FEW TIMES,is a good song.it has good melody ,good lyrics with a catchy hook line in the chorus.at the tent she did not make a good impression ,I heard she was not well,but what the band played backing her up is far from what the recorded version sounds like,and that did not help at all.she is not competing but it wont hurt to give a listen to the track,instead of being negative towards one of our better calypsonians.more power to you sandy,remind them that” ITS TIME TO FLIP DE SCRIPT”.
well said
But we not easy ehh, the young lady is living and working overseas, not Antigua, or St. Martin nuh in the USA. I see no issues there. Dice was in Dominica when he took his break. Difference situation with Sandy. How you expect Sandy to fly home to take part in eliminations all the way to the finals each time. Very shame full to all those who made this an issue. Nothing will ever get better unless we examine ourselves first. All the best to you Sandy.
Even though dice spoke his mind which he had a full right in doing so but sandy should be stronger than that. She already had the free pass. Do not stand down. Just remember is carnival. True controversy. You threw away your luck sandy?Better luck in 2015.
Garvey Teachings
We seem to be quick to criticize others, but averse to accepting constructive criticism!
When I was at primary school in Dominica, passing the spelling test was a prerequisite to promotion. I do apologize if good spelling is no longer mandatory!
Sandy,do not worry about that. Leave Dice with his crowns, let him enjoy them.Move on, go out there and soar.What goes around comes around.(KARMA)
Dice has won the crown how many time 6, 7 times? Okay, the man is very good, a very good entertainer, very good performer, the man has talent. No one can take that away from him. We must give him that.
We want the Labour Party and the Prime Minister to step aside after only 3 terms, yet it is okay for the Calypso Association to have one King all the time? Many of those who want the PM and Labour to step down, are they same ones who want Dice to perform every year and get the Crown.
And we know the DLP Government is very good and the best Dominica has right now; Unlike the the Calypso.
In Calypso we have many other performers who should be KING. Give some other hard performing artist a chance to wear the crown too.
Dice will always be a Calypso King once a King you are always a King. There are many great performers who deserve to wear that Calypso Crown also. If not the Calypso competition will have no taste anymore. What is the point of going to a show when before you get there everyone has already decided who will win. I’ve got to several shows and I have seen many talented men and women perform and anyone of them could be the Monarch.
After all that roro with Sandy, I believe Dice should step down also. He can always be a Special Guest Performer at all the shows but I believe it is time, the Calypso Association change the rules.
After 5 Crowns, maybe even after the 4th crown, you do not compete anymore. You are a Calypso King For Life. Give another brother a chance.
Time Dice make some good music to sell and not wait for only a calypso competition. have his own one man shows. He has already proved himself more than is needed. We all know he is good. No question there, but he could be better on his own, We need other Kings. I mean every year we have a new Carnival Queen. Should the same Queens go back over and over? It is Carnival?
But The Queen Competition does not allow that. So Change the Monarch Law. Enough is Enough.
Hidden comment and low rating coming out soon.
LOL LOL
Who said it wasn’t ? Sandy will be very fine, its small minded people like you that will remain here and not understand love of country. Do your homework and see places Sandy have been and carry Dominica name gracefully.
Please allow me to flip the script. Let’s move on to Next topic.
me personally if i was in sandy position i would NEVER PULL OUT………as i said already DICE was afraid!!!!!……
afraid of who or what?!? Dice has not released his song as yet but from the two A Capella verses he sang at the tent, his song way outranks Sandy’s. So why would he be afraid of someone who could not walk a mile in his shoes this year? Nonsense!
I think dice had his full right to talk what he felt. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. That’s what you call Democracy. Talk your mind. Let your voice be heard of what’s bothering you.
That manager does really upset me
Dice fraid man cuz Sandy nearly bowl him out few years back!!!
Man I love calypso for so but the slant that calypso has taken in this election year is just sickening. The open rivalry is frightening and I have decided to skip the shows this year.
The level of hatred spewed is amazing. Remember Hunter was the lamb taken to the slaughter in 2013,ironically when he released his 2014 song on Q95, he was labelled the best calypsonian in DA by the very same kabal that denigrated him last year.
This year Sandy is on the recieving end.
Is it only Stardom calypsonians at fault or anyone who seems to be threatening Dice becomes a pun in the arena? If Sandy was singing for Mas Camp would the same issue be raised? Remember calypso is bigger than everyone so please stop the gloating. Anything could happen on Calypso finals night.
People come to the show with their preconcieved notions and if MasCamp doh win is Skeritt that do that. Trash talk.
Hello, when evaluating the tents, 99% of songs at MasCamp are anti-government. Same lyrics sang in different ways. The variety is lacking admittedly.
Stardom has variety in topics that can transcend across foreign borders long after Carnival. No wonder Tarsha P could go and win a Caribbean crown while Dice remains in Dominica languishing with the quality of his talent.
Speak the truth.
Calypso has gone Blue so Sandy pressure on you. With a Blue Mouse Mascot, A Blue Dancing Leader, in a Blue Dancing Hall Sandyyyyyyyyyyyyy I sympathize with you.
Doh worry chaq coshone ni samdi yo….our people are bent on bringing everyone down because of hatred and jealousy. The dog eat dog mentality is alive and well in calypso especially this election year. Time will tell
That is a very great comment you are so right in all you said especially the songs in the both tents, one Friday night a tried to take in mass camp but I had to turn off my radio is just one political song after the other if I used to go to shows I do not think mass camp would see me, Pat need to stop voicing his anger through the calypso and the singer need to see right through Pat.
Sandy I watched you perform at Stardom, and the performance was weak. It was not the same Sandy that I normally see. The song also lacks the making of a calypso that is suitable for competition. So I think that, as well as other reasons, may have caused you to bow out. come back again in 2015 stronger and earlier to run with the big guns like you.
Hunter, you have the opportunity now to go back to the drawing board and change the rules to support the crap you tried to pull on us. Palm reader, never try that stunt again. Dominicans are not as dumb as you think. Justice has prevailed in this case. Thank God!
Sandy should come down for the eliminations period. We making rules and we breaking them ourselves.
No excuse.
Reminds me of the story of the prodigal son. I understand rules are rules but i believe in this case special agreements agreed upon by the CA should allow the calypsonian to continue because of her circumstances. Dice was not speaking on behalf of the other calypsonians as a whole but himself. His reasoning as i see are selfish and believes he as king never got any such special treatment.
I applaud sandy. Even if you left and probably know you may not win you continue to show your love and passion for the artform and i believe that is why u sacrificed your time to come home to participate. I bet you do not need to.
However never let those with questionable character and attitude keep you away or dictate your calypso future in Dominica. Every decision is about time place and circumstance and based on your circumstance the CA was justified.
The prodigal son was not in a competition, was he?
so wat if sandy had to come down and vote for labour and she couldnt come on the day….. and she came two days after and labour missing one vote to win… would she allow to vote?? lol lol
All other calypsonians should just leave calypso for the Puppet and his Master. Is their politics they pushing using calypso as an avenue, but that is as far as they will go. Those miserable souls!!!!
I love singing sandy and it’s a bit sad she decide to step down but then again rules are rules. Dice wasn’t given the chance and he was the MONARCH so…….fair is fair
I say it, and I will say it again,there are more controvercies to come.Befor Dice came on the scene,Sandy was my choice of calypsonian,I also think she was robbed of her crown.She remain one of my top choice as a calypsonian,but i think she was forced to enter into this year competition,(not by the inclusion in the quaters)but by thoes who encouraged her without preping her up properly,(she needs more work with this song,to be confident in the quaters)though i think she would have perform well,(cold or not)She is a Calypsonian,and i hope she will put this experience behind her,and take strength in that song;’Someone trying to keep you down’;She needs to prepare to take on Dice,at least,I think she can,They think so too,but They doe feel she is well prepared.It so Sad, how everything in Dominica has turn into an Either or Ither state;I know there are going to have more fall outs,yet again that is Calypso.I just Feel Bad for Sandy, she have to be subject to the ‘nasty verbal attacks’Dominicans too emotional.We are turning Dominica into something we will all regret.
Get on with it already… Sandy may retreat to lick her wounds but is a true Dominican at heart.. She’ll be back later in the ‘right way’, bigger and better. What you say?
Sandy has deeeeeeeeeeeep blood roots in Harlem city and we are very much disappointed at the comments of reigning Monarch DICE on the matter. WE support our own and the Women Newtown Brigadiers are very upset with your approach in this matter.
Sandy is a leading Kaiso woman who lives in the overs and has made a great contribution to the art form and its a shame that this is how you choose to treat her. Look at Sandy’s record and her level of discipline. Your not in her league. She is an exemplary citizen and brand setter for Da and she is not in all you all politricks. Its is very sad that in the absence of Tasha P and Karessa and Tarina etc some folks want an easy pass to retaining/maintaining the crown and are just fearful for stiff competition which QUEENSANDY was offering. The show and the art form will suffer due to the sheer absence of these calypsonians this year.
I HONOR THE GRERAT SONG WRITER TIM DURAND FOR HIS INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO WRITING KAISO and staying away from controversy and manipulatory control of artist.
In time we will know just who the puppet master realllly is…its not Sandy’s fault that certain camp is going through serious problems and a crab in the barrel culture is being encouraged to push their calysponians by any means necessary to this round and the other rounds in the competition.
WE HAVE TO BE FAIR and show respect to our young artist and people. Newtown stands solidly behind SANDY she is one of our own.
Rules are Rules WHAT IS GOOD FOR THE DICE GOOD FOR THE SANDY
@Montego Bay: What is it about what Dice said that disappoints you? Dice simply said that when he was in a similar position in 2010 he was not given the same opportunity that Sandy was recently given. Let me bring you back to that year and this is what Val Cuffy had to say on the matter then. Cuffy told a press conference on Wednesday that he sees no reason why the former calypso king should have to go through the elimination round in order to be guaranteed a chance of participation in the competition.
“I want to say this to the Dominica Calypso Association. The discussion is ongoing and being debated. They need to take heed and it is interesting and also debatable. I think at some point the decision needs to be taken that if a guy has won calypso king in Dominica and they wish to take part in the competition, I see no reasons why they should not be allowed to come in during the quarterfinals,” Cuffy told a press conference this week.
“I think we need to sit down as an association and look at that carefully. If a man has won a king or two in Dominica he deserves to be given that respect and allowed entry into the quarter final competition in Dominica,” he said. This was part of the ongoing debate in 2010 when Dice was denied. It is therefore unfortunate that you will blame Dice for this situation when all he was doing was stating the fact that he was not treated the same back then
If I may just add to the discussions, I read many say the rule is the rule and I quite agree. But I am imagining as well that the constitution of the DCA makes provisions for that to happen. If that is the case, then there is not cause for all this controversy. the constitution would give the members of the Executive the right to make a judgement call and decide who can be waived or not.We are Dominicans, sandy is contributing to Dominica’s carnival, we need to be more tolerant to Dominicans and make Dominicans more welcome in Dominica. Dice did not get it because in the eyes of the Association he may not have been in the same situation that she is in, did it make him worst off? no, he should carry his head high that he started at the eliminations and moved up, what is wrong with that? I just think that we spend so much time arguing about trivial matters and miss the big picture. I have read political spins,”politypso” spins,etc why not just reach out to somebody wanting to make a contribution to Dominica’s carnival!this is not a they against them, this is a Dominican and a Dominica’s Carnival; and does of us patrons wanting to take sides remember carnival is bigger than any tent or organization,we are the ones who make them by attending the tents.
No excuses. Same rules for everybody.
Here we go again…at it like crabs in a barrel. The rules (of the DCA) should be the rules, not what others think it to be. Backwards mentality displayed with a heavy dose of arrogance…Allu are a bunch of complainers. Good luck in allu misery!
Good for you, Sandy, for leaving these crabs in their own barrel. You will prosper in the US.
dont u see that the association is making rules along the way
We hope ‘allu’ not in misery. ‘Allu’ will not rule this country by remote.
My issue with this whole thing is that the DCA, Sandy etal are using the fact that she lives overseas to give her a pass to the quarter-finals. She and her team were quite aware of the date of eliminations so provisions should have been made for her to be here in time for that. Let’s supposed she had made it through to each round of competitions all the way to the finals what would she have done then, remain in Dominica for the entire two months period or would she be going back and forth (which is what I understood would have been done)? I am not trying to bring down any Dominican like some of the comments here suggest but we have to be fair and reasonable. Sometimes we like to look for the easy way out in everything.
You know you havent said anything?
“According to the DCA’s president, Derrick “De Hunter” St. Rose, Sandy was allowed to by-pass the eliminations, “taking into consideration” that she’s based in the United States and it’s “expensive to travel back and forth” to all the competition rounds and also taking into “account” that she placed “1st runner-up” in the competition a “few years” ago.”
DICE SPOKE what others are THINKING.
Derrick, you should know better. Why did you not take Sandy’s expenses into consideration and ARRANGE for her to STAY instead of making that ‘BACK AND FORTH’ EXCUSE. You thought no one would notice and that you would get away with your decision.
It is not about bringing anyone down..It is about Dominicans seeing the importance of standing up for the right thing..I am proud that our people are now finding ways of voicing their dissatisfaction against ALL wrongs and seeing that something is done about it instead of sitting on a side complaining.
Calypso is bigger than sandy,the show must go on,rules must be adhered to.
Nobody should be afforded special privileges like that. She did the honorable thing by stepping down. If she wanted to participate in the competition, she should have been there from eliminations, case closed. How much you spend travelling back and forth is nobody’s business, she should have sorted that out before she decided she wanted to compete. And don’t get me wrong, I am a big fan of Sandy. I just don’t agree with these spontaneous provisions. Moving forward, DCA should prepare proper documentation outlining rules for competitors based overseas. This way, nobody will have anything to question.
Dat is the thing we take dominica for a joke cuz had it been in the states it wud not hav happened she wud make an effort to b at the eliminations rite is rite rule is rule aint nothing to do with dice am livin in th us i no .
Everybody knows exactly what the point is but some refuse to accept it. This is not about Dice or ‘Sandy’ as a person, it is about doing things ‘properly’ in this country for once. Papa met why do we like to twist rules like that nuh, worse yet to suit some and not others?
In the future, people in situations like Sandy should be made to submit at least a pre-recording which will be judged at eliminations. Time to establish proper rules and exceptions accordingly, and stick to them!
The Government is corrupt there for the entire Calypso Association is corrupt Sandy don’t be discouraged just be strong
Dice sould not cry foul because his situation back then and Sandy’s are very dufferent. Although he was in Guadeloupe prior to the show, he had returned to Dominica in time for the Eliminations; a fact that he confirmed on a Q95 show last week. He even attended the show, according to him. Sandy, on the other hand, was out of state the night of the 2014 Eliminations.
These two situations are different. No comparison. Once again, Sandy’s misfortune is proof of the destructive nature of the Dominican tongue.
@Bogoroy, while it is true that Dice may have been on Island for the show I clearly remember him saying back then, that because he was out of state (in Guadeloupe) that it was not confirmed whether or not he would have had to sing at the elimination stage and that the band did not even have his music scores. He showed up for the show however when he was told at a late hour, that he would have to sing at the eliminations,because he wanted to take part in the competition. He requested an opportunity to sing on playback and he was denied that opportunity. Couldn’t he have been accommodated in consideration that he was still a reigning monarch when he last competed, the same way that Sandy who did not even win a crown but was pronounced a queen and given special privilege?
Dice have to understannd that the year he decided not to compete for his crown he wasn’t in the US he was in Guadeloupe. There is a difference for someone who leaves in the US as we know travelling can be costly, than for a man who goes to guadeloupe.
I really believe Sandy should have stayed and sing in the competition.. Will miss u at STARdom
What is the difference? Can you be more explicit?
oversea is oversea, he could have been in marie galante or the saints it is oversea, what is your point.
dat makes no sense.
how gwada can be on de same levels as diminica