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SCDF will seek to save SOCA competition for Carnival 2020


King Vers, the reigning four-time Power Soca Monarch. PHILIPSBURG--The organisers of the annual Soca Rumble have informed St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) of their decision not to host the event for Carnival 2020.


However, SCDF announced on Monday that it fully intends to host the event next year if funds are available. In this regard, SCDF said it has received several enquiries from potential sponsors and individuals to assist in doing so. SCDF said it has faced situations such as this before, when organisers/promoters decide they cannot continue with an event. “This is not the first time SCDF will have to decide if it wants to rescue an event or simply let it go,” SCDF President Alston Lourens said in a release. “Soca Rumble is important for the music culture, not just of Carnival, but local music in general. It’s not just the artistes and their music. It’s the musicians, dances, make-up artists, costume-makers, etcetera. St. Maarten talent, in all forms, is literally on full display. “So when you have an event of such impact for people directly or indirectly involved with Carnival and St. Maarten’s musical culture, then the SCDF will always take a look at what can be done,” he said, adding that SCDF will do its due diligence and, together with its corporate partners, determine whether it is financially feasible to save the show. SCDF said it will also seek the involvement of the Culture Department for this cultural event. SCDF thanked the Soca Rumble team for their work and dedication over the years for an event that also had SCDF’s support from the day it was given the green light by the foundation. According to a SCDF press release, the foundation has supported Soca Rumble by significantly reducing and/or waiving promoter fees, and always ensured that the event was given the smallest fee possible, so SCDF could cover basic Carnival Village expenses. Additionally, SCDF members have also personally contributed to the success of the event in various ways. Lourens said Soca Rumble is not like a regular international show which can be replaced from one Carnival to the next if promoters do not register/sign agreements by stipulated times. “It is scheduled automatically because we view it as a very important outlet for local music. It has never been treated as a regular international show. “We also host shows and understand the risks as a promoter. But oftentimes we don’t have the luxury to walk away. We either have to work with other promoters to pull off an event or do it ourselves. “SCDF has tried to involve as many stakeholders as possible in the organising of calypso, pageants and international shows. When those stakeholders choose to move on, SCDF has to carry on. So, like many times in the past, one door closes, others open, and Carnival carries on,” he said.


Credit: The Daily Herald -- https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/90323-scdf-will-seek-to-save-soca-competition-for-carnival-2020

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