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Queen Shereen calls Chico B a default Monarch

- said he should not have been allowed to participate in 2016 VG Calypso Competition
Local Calypsonian Shereen Flax aka Queen Shereen has labeled Virgin Gorda Calypso Monarch, Vincentian- Roland O. Vieira aka Chico B (left) a Monarch by default. Photo: VINO/Provided
Chairperson of the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival Committee Sasha D. A. Flax explained that to take part in the calypso competition an expatriate must be residing in the territory for two years, however, an exception was made for Chico B. Photo: VINO/File
Chairperson of the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival Committee Sasha D. A. Flax explained that to take part in the calypso competition an expatriate must be residing in the territory for two years, however, an exception was made for Chico B. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- A song-Outsider, which was recently released to the public by Virgin Gorda Calypso Monarch, Vincentian- Roland O. Vieira aka Chico B, calling for unity among the expatriates and the natives, has opened a can of proverbial worms, with a veteran Calypsonian, calling him a Monarch by default.

According to Queen Shereen, Chico B should not have been allowed to participate in the competition last year as he was not residing in the territory for two years at the time.

Virgin Islands News Online sought out all parties involved via telephone interview on Saturday March 11, 2017.

According to our information, the problem started when a conversation ensued after Chico B was crowned, and was expected to compete again in the Calypso final in Tortola, which he did not and only participated as a guest artist. Chico B said he was halted in his tracks when a calypsonian that he only wanted to refer to as “Queen” told him “shut your blasted mouth when you are here in people country you have no say,” and that he was only there for the money. 

“It was a very emotional thing for me to experience, somebody who is supposed to be my friend. So I just put pen to paper and write my song,” he said.

He informed that at the time he was in the territory for a year and six months and claimed that he was told that the time frame was one year.

Bring your A-game!

Chico B, who intends to defend his crown, is questioning the real reason for his eligibility being questioned.

“I don’t see why my eligibility should be a big question, I don’t know, if they see me as a threat or what, all the calypsonians have to do is come with their A game.”

Rules needs to be adhered to

Former Calypso Monarch and Virgin Islander Shereen “Queen Shereen” Flax, who said she will be competing in the upcoming competition, despite having to share it with “the VG Monarch by default” stated that her issues lay with following the rules, and the Monarch having a level of decorum and speaking positively be it on social media or otherwise of the Virgin Islands (UK). 

“I am not against any person who comes to live in the territory and make the BVI their home from being involved in calypso, but we have rules and regulations and those things need to be adhered to,” the outspoken Calypso veteran noted.

According to her, in other countries one has to be a passport holder to participate in calypso, and while it is a fact that they have bigger populations so the pool of calypsonians will be much larger, the challenge that she has, is other people had to wait until they made that two years to participate in the BVI, and others had been denied for that reason.

“So why should an exception have been made?” she questioned.

No beef with committee

“It is about the integrity of our country, what are we really doing? I don’t have a beef with the committee because I am actively involved in assisting them with the calypso show for this year. I have been behind the scene, giving advice, but I call a spade a spade,” Queen Shereen said.

VI not perfect

The calypsonian added that it is nothing new that calypsonians don’t receive pay in some cases immediately, but while no one else made it an issue, the reigning monarch blasted the VI, for taking so long and hindering him from doing what he planned on doing with his winnings, a claim, Chico B denies saying that he was very patient and was in contact with the committee during the entire process. He said they were given their winnings in January of this year.

“I will not sit back and allow anybody, to call down the VI within reach of my hearing and I sit there or stand there and not defend the VI. The VI might not be perfect, but we are not all that bad if persons are flocking from all over the world to come here to work and to live and to visit.”

She said for her calypso is not about the money, but about sending a message, her passion, and keeping the culture alive. 

Don't let it happen again

Queen Shereen urged the VG Easter Festival Committee to stick to the rules.

“If you don’t stand for anything you will fall for anything…it should not be allowed to happen again.”

Exception was made

Chairperson of the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival Committee Sasha D. A. Flax explained that to take part in the calypso competition an expatriate must be residing in the territory for two years.

However, she said Chico B was allowed to participate regardless of not being in the territory for two years.

“We had a bit of a disconnect last year with it but we are on track now, so its two years. What happened was the current winner wasn’t here for two years and we gave him a chance to participate, but now we are in the same application as the Virgin Islands Festivals and Fairs Committee which we should have been on,” she remarked.

All calypsonians were fine with the decision

Flax, in response to the ongoing friction between the two calypsonians, said all the calypsonians were aware and did not object to Chico B taking part.

“But that isn’t an unease because we met with the calypsonians and everybody was fine with the application, we went through the whole application with them,” she pointed out.

Meanwhile, Queen Shereen's issue with Chico B was first brought to the fore in an interview with Paul A. Peart aka Gadiethz on the International Morning Ride Show on ZROD 103.7 FM on Friday March 10, 2017.

Queen Shereen labels Chico B a default Monarch.

38 Responses to “Queen Shereen calls Chico B a default Monarch”

  • qc (12/03/2017, 12:34) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    well sir
  • Outspoken (12/03/2017, 12:49) Like (43) Dislike (10) Reply
    Let Shereen shut she, "can't sing" backside. Maybe the man is really a threat to her that's why she coming at this time to fan the flames. A caribbean man she be free to sing wherever he going in the Caribbean. When Land crab, a Canadian national who only visit once a year, competed, we hear nothing from Shereen now she want to kill her own black brother, no wonder the world the way it is and white people always feel they can step on us because we are not united
    • VG (12/03/2017, 13:57) Like (15) Dislike (15) Reply
      Outspoken You always with that. If you so outspoken why you don't haul your tail on the stage
      • Outspoken (12/03/2017, 16:49) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
        VG for your information am not a calypsonian and I never pretend to be one so I have no calling on the calypso stage
    • VG (12/03/2017, 16:28) Like (9) Dislike (16) Reply
      I agree with the flax girl
  • Yes (12/03/2017, 12:59) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    We have rules written in pencil....they are for who want
  • lord o. (12/03/2017, 13:11) Like (18) Dislike (12) Reply
    I don't think a work permit holder should be king or queen and this should be in the competition rule book.. However, it's not in the rule book the man is a legitimate king... These flax people are accustom of having their way from small.. Always ontop in VG... It's not so no more my dear queen. Things have changed..It's now a level playing Field. Your name use to give you the edge, a start off advantage. Now everyone runs a hundred yards. U don't get to start at the 50 yards line run 50 yds reach the finish line first and say you are the winner while the rest of us run a hundred yards. Those days done.. But I must tell you my dear queen, you are a very good calypsonian a great song writer.. Keep doing your thing..You are good enough to win a hundred yards dash...
    • Rules are Rules (12/03/2017, 14:09) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
      it is a rule. Check with the Director and Deputy Director of Culture. Why do you think he was not allowed to compete in Tortola?? Its been on the books for years. In 2015 a young lady who worked in the shop across from the Marina was denied entry into the competition by the same committee.
  • Sistah Joyce fan (12/03/2017, 13:13) Like (10) Dislike (6) Reply
    Chico B you going eat licks from Sistah Joyce. Her parents may not be from here but is here she born and you cant change that
    • which part (12/03/2017, 22:11) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      What part of here Sista Joyce born.... try go sit down and look over your facts.. lol...
  • VG (12/03/2017, 13:37) Like (32) Dislike (11) Reply
    Shereen full of Sh** she didn't win for the past few years so she's upset because an expat won! And Sasha I went to school with you because Shereen_ is family doesn't mean you have to agree with her nonsense.listen and listen good Ayo going kill vg festival if you guys bring that born here F*^k into to this ..Festival is all about having fun, enjoying, havina good time with family and friends also come together as a community smh...Jah man
    • @ VG From another VGordian (12/03/2017, 15:10) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      Why would she be upset? Do you really know this woman?? I think not!! Having a Passion for something means you care not about winning or losing. You care about keeping a dying artform alive in the BVI. All of the haters out there need to be realistic. There is no money in calypso. It is about our culture which too is dying a fast death in the BVI. We barely have any cultural identity left. Where were you when this lady and others were out there and still are working hard to keep calypso going in the BVI??? Most Calypsonians in the BVI do it for love. At the end of the competition there is nothing to show for it because the expenses are greater than the rewards. Calypsonians are like politicians. They appear to be feuding and then you see them eating, drinking and laughing with each other in public and behind closed doors. BEWARE. And its not about being born here. This was never mentioned in the article. Festival is about preserving and showcasing OUR culture.
  • Really! (12/03/2017, 13:40) Like (19) Dislike (11) Reply
    Shereen Ayo flax still think Ayo run vg ppl of virgin gorda and tola et she and Sasha FLAX!!!! Keep Thier festival let's see how much expats show up and let's see how Ayo make money ...
    • Tola full of Crime (12/03/2017, 14:35) Like (4) Dislike (14) Reply
      Really, Tola people have not supported the festival for years. We don't want you all over here any way. Keep your shooting and killings in Tola
  • Movenfromvg (12/03/2017, 13:41) Like (15) Dislike (6) Reply
    Yeah that's exactly why I move from vg it's a wonderful place to be, but certain people up there killing the island big time!!!!!
    • Hunpy (13/03/2017, 14:18) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply

      If you don't mix with them, you won't be in anything with them. How many native participate in the Calypso show. I think all expats should not participate and lets see what happens. A certain lady is very vindictive, and wants to control everything she participates in her husband is expat, I always wonder how he feels when she behaves so unprofessional. She wears the pants anyway

  • facts (12/03/2017, 14:01) Like (15) Dislike (13) Reply
    You need to read the article. She has nothing against people who are not from here. They just should follow the rules. If you know the FLAXES, they work hard and have NEVER gotten anything because of who they are. THEY ARE HARD WORKING PEOPLE including Shereen who is single handledly promoting events free of charge for calypsonians to perform every month on VG including Chico B
  • Show going be mas (12/03/2017, 14:06) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    I wont be missing this show for nothing!!! Shereen you really know how to promote a show. Nuff licks, real melee, and good calypso on Easter Sunday night. This is KAISO. I will be up front. Don't want to miss a note. I know dem extra verse coming!!!! HEE hee hee hee
  • myrun (12/03/2017, 14:09) Like (7) Dislike (12) Reply
    island people them run things
  • Well Sah (12/03/2017, 15:14) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    VG Festival Committee always want to do things and never adhere to the rules. For that reason they are always going to have all kind of commess around them.
  • Sampson C. (12/03/2017, 16:05) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
    Let me urge all to settle down. Chico B brings to this country a flavor that should be embraced. It can only do well for the calypso art form and the country on a whole. Like he said in his interview just bring your A game. May the best person win.
    • vg pride (12/03/2017, 18:21) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
      And I agree. This has nothing to do with Chico B or Shereen but with the committees not following the rules and laws of this country. This is why the BVI has a challenge. It is fast becoming a lawless society. As Mrs Flax-Charles has reiterated on many occasions, her mother is an Antiguan and has no problem with anyone that comes to this country and do positive things. And by the way she also is Proud to be born here for the right reasons and has never gotten a free pass in life. She is a hard worker and a go-getter. She is one woman with talk and action to back it up both personally and professionally
  • Supporter (12/03/2017, 20:43) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
    queen S need to stop sing and stay behind the scenes and organize the events for the festival. Her songs have the same tune every single year...she cant sing period....... SISTA JOYCE IS ALL A DEM BOSS ON THE STAGE. That's my girl...




    • Shareen or Trump. (12/03/2017, 22:24) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
      Shareen is a geneous. She single handedly bring VG Calypso show some well deserved marketing, publicity and well needed advertising....You big Shareen. You like Trump...anything that get you in the news is good marketing.. Free advertising...
  • VG Resident (12/03/2017, 21:06) Like (11) Dislike (7) Reply
    Shereen is just a dam coward. She was suppose to compete last year and back out last minute bout she fell down and the night after she was dancing all over the stage. School children say that she backing out again this year and pushing Sis Joyce to beat up on Chico B for her. Lets wait and see if she compete. Chico B say he would be sharing licks. I can't miss this show for nothing.
  • Street reporter (12/03/2017, 22:19) Like (18) Dislike (7) Reply
    People who just come or just born shut up. You know nothing about these flax in VG. Huge and big in the 70s 80s and 90s. Always on top. So been at the top is all they know.. Its time for them to accept that things change the table has turn..We have to understand that people who are a custom to Glory can't live without it..Humble yourself shareen and Focus on getting two good songs and beat them ass and maintain your status at the top.
    • Please. (13/03/2017, 05:33) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
      Please allow Chico to defend his crown. Don't throwing rules now to throw him out...
  • He better than Joyce. (13/03/2017, 05:29) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
    My opinion. This dude is Calypsonian who can sing.. Sister Joyce is a very good singer she is not a Calypsonian. So happens she is beating up on people who are not Calypsonians and who can't sing... This Dude will beat Joyce easily...
  • voiceofthevoiceless (13/03/2017, 08:50) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sherren's beef should be with the committee and not with Chico B. Once the VG Committee made that exception to Chico B he was entered legally into the competition. Anybody who had an objection should have raised it then before that decision or perhaps they did not see him as a threat. He then won the competition fair and square as adjudged by he panel of judges using the judging criteria as provided by the Committee. So to say he is Monarch by default is baseless. So basically she disrespecting the decisions of the Judges and the Committee? BTW Shereen pulled out last minute out of the same VG competition.

    The real problem happened when Chico B wanted to sing in Tortola as per the rule which says the VG Monarch has automatic qualification for Tortola's competition. A ridiculous rule by the way as VG Competitors use different songs and the competitions are 4-5 months apart. Then all hell broke loose and Shereen objected saying Chico B should not be in Tortola competition. Then she attacked him personally with 'the outsider has no say' comments. Really ironic considering her connections.

    Chico B should not have been blocked from competing in the Tortola competition as the VG Committee is the one who authorized the exception and anything that results from it should have been honored and respected. but this was not the case. Be that as it may this should add some spice to a competition that sorely needs it as the standards have dropped significantly as some of the better calypsonians and past winners like Makisha, Tino, Prof. Melody and Luther B are no longer competing.
  • tola (13/03/2017, 10:25) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    If it wasnt for Chico B, they would not have had a good calypso show last year. His songs were the only one I enjoyed. He won fair and square. Who cares how long he lived in the territory. The man was darn good
  • Sue (13/03/2017, 10:34) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Shereen thinks she run VG. She's to damn bossy. Sasha I admire the things you doing. Please don't let you aunt mess up the calypso show. You are in charge p,ease take control. I admire you to stand up to her statement that was made.
  • Well mah boy (13/03/2017, 16:29) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Chico B was NOT blocked from entering the calypso show in Tortola, he WAS NOT qualified to enter. Remember he did not meet the residency requirements plain and simple.
  • VG Resident (13/03/2017, 17:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Shereen is no girl that would back down and hang up her cloves like Makisha,, Tino, Professor Melody, Glamour Girl and Luther B. They all run out of the race after they got beaten. Shereen is still there taking the fight to any calypsonian that come in her way. I could tell you that she would cut all of them tail for August 2017. She has an A game and she would give Chico B a taste of it on Calypso competition night. I wish that all those Calypsonians would come back and join the thing. If it wasn't for these same outsiders taking part there wouldn't be any calypso show. Lets respect these people that come in and live among us. Its the system that they have in place in Tortola that have one person dominating the monarchy. They should follow VG by taking out the high and the low points and then you would see people like Shereen , Paido, and Luther B winning again. Its a bias system. It is hurting good Calypsonians.
  • Ma rass (13/03/2017, 20:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just wait until we see the calypso reform plans!
  • Just observing (13/03/2017, 22:39) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    We want Mr. Ice cream to participate, even if he is a guest artist
  • Why So Upset (14/03/2017, 08:49) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Put your talent on the line stop complaining, songs dont make a bit of sense, please. High end Artists don't complain, they aim for higher grounds but you obviously don't want to elevate yourself, Stay on the ground and keep it clean. Pure your niece have only one more term as Chairperson. Then Festival NICE again. TIME UP AND YOUR AUNTY WANT YOUR SPOT TO SASHA
  • marketing (14/03/2017, 23:33) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ahhh, I see what you are doing there! THIS IS GOOD PUBLICITY!!! AND IT'S FREE! THE SHOW WILL BE PACKED!!! CONGRATULATIONS!
  • Tafari Zharr (15/03/2017, 16:46) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Artists Suffer: Production is a labour-of-love, sweat, and sometimes tears. Artists love to create for "others" to consume! And although entertaining enough may calm the spirit and soothe fears, it takes time, and effort, and passion: "Headliner" Acts can make the "Feature" Artists vulnerable and vice versa; but artists enhance the show and set the stage for an exciting performance as each act steps their game up - ultimately, there is growth in competition and room for everyone to excel and experience as any "learnable-moment" and despite the existing bureaucracy; which only when it is tested can requisite for change(s) be examined and/or determined. For Shereen to still be at it - we should all respect her love of the land and its culture; but Art even ours that seeks to fill a void is good mostly for the voiceless, the bored, and the stressed. Besides, I am a firm believer that artistry withstands time, social norms, and bigotry; and variety lends to experience and confidence at the "boxe$". Funny, even when ethnicity is removed we still find anything to fight against instead of something to fight for such as "entertaining beyond borders" oops "entertaining beyond our backyards". We the people of "our" Virgin Islander should not be naive about what artists do - DREAM!


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