PHILIPSBURG:--- It is with deep regret that I inform you my fans and the public that I would not be competing at tonight's National Calypso Monarch Finals.
I am a calypsonian, I am a woman, I am the voice of the people, and a fighter for and a firm believer in fairness, rights, and justice.
This being said, and as heart-wrenching as it is, my decision is based on the following:
1. An order from the Court of First Instance dated April 24th, 2023 mandating that I be allowed to sing at the finals, with no further signing and/ or acceptance of any new criteria.
Upon arrival at the rehearsal venue yesterday, I was presented with a document(Rules & Regulations) to sign, which is against the court's ruling, thus I refused to sign.
2. Upon my refusal, I was told by the SCDF official present, that if I do not sign, I would not be allowed to select a number for my order of appearance and in addition, not be allowed to rehearse.
I did not sign and thus was not allowed to select a number or rehearse.
In this scenario, Baker Jr. also refused to sign resulting in him as well not being afforded the opportunity to select a number, rehearse or be included in tonight's finals. All other calypsonians did as they were told.
3. With the SCDF legal team being written to by my lawyer and being reminded of the court's ruling, I was contacted by someone from SCDF informing me that I am performing at position #6(A NUMBER I DID NOT PULL). With no official rehearsal afforded me for tonight’s event.
With this breach of the court's ruling and the apparent attempt to intimidate, victimize and hold me to ransom at this 99th hour, I stand resolute in my fight for Calypso and the principles that it stands for.
For all of you who know me, you would know that I want nothing more than to sing, for this is who I am & this is my heart's desire. But, with circumstances as they are, I am left with no choice but to stand up for all women, all calypsonians, and for the future of this art form to ensure that our future generations are not subject to this type of injustice.
To all who have supported me, I thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart and for all those with differing views, I respect you & I love you all. May we continue to forge forward for the benefit of the culture and may we all grow and learn from our experiences.
Yours in Culture
Roxxy Webster
LONG LIVE CALYPSO
