For a second time in a row, Alden Raphael, stage name Spoiler, of the K-9/Drug Squad Unit, is the Kaiso Headquarters Monarch. The fourth annual event was held under the theme “Reloaded to Fete” at the police headquarters on Sunday, June 12, 2009.

Spoiler performed a song titled, “Doh blame de Commissioner”, a sensational hit, which had the crowd singing along.

Following the event, the reigning monarch said: “I realize the Commissioner of Police is under a lot of stress, and being blamed for a lot of problems in society and I think that is unfair, because blaming him, indirectly, is blaming the constables. I want to bring the message to the public that we are doing a good job and they have to appreciate what we do.”

Spoiler also received the People’s Choice prize of $250, compliments Fast Cash. He defended his title against nine other calypsonians representing the various stations and departments of the Royal St Lucia Police Force (RSLPF). His unit, K-9/ Drug Squad also received the award for being the “most supportive crowd.” It was indeed a spectacle to see members of the unit letting their hair down.

Danny Marshall of the Police Band, who sang the Soca-type “All Night”, emerged first runner up. His “cool guy” attire and Michael Jackson moves took the crowd by storm. Abel Willie, “Free Willie” of the Vieux Fort Police Station, who was second runner-up, sang “This Year Kaiso.”

Brigette Algodel also known as “Lady Poxy” of Police Training Academy, who performed in her uniform, was third runner-up. Her song was entitled “Job, Crime and Talk”. Before appearing on stage, popular theatre character “coax” performed a short skit, highlighting some of the wrongdoings, as well as the good that police officers do.
The first performer to hit the stage was Yvette Augustine “Sexy Yvette” (Information Technology (IT) Unit) with the song, “Tell me Something, I Don’t Know.”

Other participants included Calixtus Robert, “The Avenger” (Gros Islet Police Station) who performed “Rage”. His presentation was about civil servants “raging” about their 7.5 percent salary increase from the government.

Then came Renny Harris “King Green” (Vieux Fort Police Station) who sang, “Running Scared”. Prior to his performance was a television show-like presentation in which the issue of gun violence was brought up. The recent newscast which featured a gang member threatening the police was also highlighted. The talk-show host asked the question: “What would you do to
handle the crime situation in St Lucia?” King Green answered the question, in song.

Right after the 20-minute intermission was Roy “Killabe” Busby (Crown Prosecution Unit), who brought a message from “The Ghost of Ras Kelly I-Dou Kill me Soca.” Before starting
his four-verse calypso, he presented a musical mix of old time favourites from the deceased singer, and other Soca artistes, as well as the modern hits by the likes of
Q-pid, Kakal and Ricky T.

Newcomer, Cadet Nadine Donelly, who sang “Fallen Soldiers” called out the names of officers who died in the line of duty during her rendition.
Melissa James, “The Slayer” (Beat and Patrol Unit), who emerged first runner-up last year, failed to capture a spot among the winners this time around. She performed a song entitled, “Be Thankful For Life”, highlighting issues such as the economic crisis and other ills in society in her song.

They were judged by Luther Francois, Aimran Simmons, Camron John, Alicia Steven and Flugence St Prix, who followed the criteria of Word Craft, Composition, Creativity, Theme Expression/Content (quality), Melody, Arrangement, Originality, Rendition, Presentation and Demonstration.

The Master of Ceremonies, Donaville Bellas was rather entertaining, making jokes and giving away great prizes.
There were a number of guest performances, including Ricky T, whose act was cut shot by some technical difficulties. During his short stint on stage, he kept chanting, “Fix it up”. Prior to him was Kakal, who is also a police officer. His performance was also interrupted by a power defect. But that did not last very long. As soon the lights came back on, the energetic performer came back on stage in the same speed he left. His compelling voice was all that was needed to have the crowd jumping and waving.

For his part assistant police commissioner Vernon Francois said that the whole idea of the event is to show that they can also be part in the cultural and social arena in St Lucia.