Chalkdust creates history to win Calypso Monarch title

Dr. Hollis Liverpool, aka “Chalkdust, won a ninth Calypso Monarch title in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday tying with the Grenadian-born Slinger Francisco also known as The Mighty Sparrow for the most wins in the competition, as visitors, joined Trinidadians in the final two days of Carnival celebrations Chalkdust, a lecturer at the University of Trinidad and Tobago, won the first prize of TT$700,000 with his tune “Learn from Arithmetic” in which he criticized the decision of the leadership of the main Hindu organization in the country not to support an end to child marriages.

In second place was former monarch Karene Ache, whose tune, “Caught in the Whirlwind” dealt with the criminal and other social ills in the country, while Heaher McIntosh’s “Games” ensured she secured third place.

The celebrations continue on Monday with the Parade of the Bands and will end on with the traditional street jump up.