'Fire' works for Bunji Garlin
Posted: Sunday, February 22, 2004

By Donna Pierre, Guardian TT

True to his words, Bunji Garlin remained strong and resilient to cop the 2004 National Lottery Classic International Soca Monarch title on Friday night at the Queen's Park Oval.

The show that started more than 30 minutes late, saw several competitors using pyrotechnics, although they were barred from doing so during the semi-finals.

However, stage manager Val Matthews said the artistes who used the pyrotechnics would have received clearance from the Fire officers first.

Performing "The Warrior Cry (Fire Brigade)" in the tenth position, Garlin gave a fiery performance using pyrotechnics and with the help of Fareid Carvalho, one of the finalists for Sunday's Carnival King competition at the Dimanche Gras.

Every bit of his time on stage was scorching.

At the end it was clear that Garlin was second to none and stood clear of the 21 other competitors. The patrons kept chanting "fire brigade" until the host had to remind them that it was a competition and the show must continue.

Last year Garlin had to settle for second place and in 2002 he had tied with the defending champion Neil "Iwer" George.

The defending champion found himself having to settle for 11th place.

Wonder which Lexus he will be giving up to Garlin? Last week at the draw for positions George promised his Lexus to whoever was able to dethrone him.

Garlin gave one of the bigger stage presentations that earned him two points more than Shurwayne Winchester who came second with 453 points.

Winchester performed after Garlin and gave probably the largest stage presentations for the night. Performing his strong Road March contender "Look De Band Coming," Winchester had blue devils, traditional characters, a few pan men and a large costume. He had the band crossing the stage.

He, too, was a clear favourite with the crowd. When he was through people had him placed among the first three.

Denise "Saucy Wow" Belfon put on an alluring performance to take fourth place, while her cohort Destra Garcia occupied the same position as last year, third. One patron expressed disappointment at Garcia's low key performance and hoarse voice. Nonetheless, she managed to give a strong fight with "Bonnie and Clyde."

The T&T/Barbados fishing issue certainly did not affect Timmy who placed 7th. Soca Elvis came in a surprising 6th position.

How they placed:

1. Bunji Garlin

2. Shurwayne Winchester

3. Destra Garcia

4. Denise Belfon

5. Blazer

6. Soca Elvis

7. Timmy

8. Onika Bostic

9. Michelle Sylvester

10. Terry Seales

11. Neil "Iwer" George

12. Blaxx

13. Sean Caruth

14. Faye Ann Lyons

15. Spongy

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