Dear Source,
I wish to extend my congratulations to Cedric "King Spade" Brooks, who was recently named Calypso Monarch 2005 during the recent Carnival festivities on St. Thomas. These types of events demonstrate the need for promotion of Calypso as a unique art form in the Caribbean and especially here in the Virgin Islands. Through music, Calypso gives listeners the opportunity to hear poetry as well as social and political commentary.
I can still recall "King Spade" fondly putting wonderful lyrics to the arranged music when did arranging for the local Calypsonians in St. Croix in the 1980s. His longevity in the business, capped off by a Calypso Monarch win, has shown that he has indeed passed the true test of a Calypsonian.
Sincerely,
Senator Ronald E. Russell, Esq.