An official welcome party headed by Minister of Creative Industries, Daryll Matthew, and included cultural performers from the Department of Culture was on hand at the VC Bird International Airport on Sunday to give a warm welcome home to the history-making Calypso Monarch, Ge’Eve, who won the coveted Leeward Islands Calypso Monarch competition in Anguilla on Saturday night.
It was a proud moment as Antigua and Barbuda proudly welcomed home the newest member of royalty in the nation’s musical fraternity — Ge’Eve, the youngest person ever to win the Leeward Islands Calypso Monarch Competition. The celebration was filled with admiration, gratitude, and hope for an even brighter future for the young artist who has captivated not only her homeland but the entire musical scene of the Leeward Islands.
“I want to use this opportunity to welcome home Ge’Eve following her remarkable achievement and I want to congratulate you personally but also on behalf of the government and people of Antigua and Barbuda. We have watched you grow up on the stage from ‘Baby Eve’ to now Ge’Eve, Leeward Islands Calypso Monarch and I can tell you we are extremely proud of you and all that you have achieved over the past few years. We have seen you grow from strength to strength, we have seen you experience disappointment but one of the things that has always stood out is that you are resilient. You continue to go forward, you continue to fight, you never give up and here you are sitting at the ‘top of the hill’…the ‘top of the mountain’,” the Minister remarked.
In her response, Ge’Eve expressed both joy and a deep sense of purpose.
“The greatest part of this achievement is the simple fact that I am a woman. Women do not really get the honours and respect they should in this industry, and I’m happy that I can be one of the voices representing women.”
She also acknowledged her extensive support network, including:
- Victor Samwell – production coordinator
- Andrew Dorsett – music production
- Christopher Grant – songwriter
- The Festivals Calypso Subcommittee – who traveled to Anguilla to support her
- Her parents, fans, and the wider community
- Behind the Scenes: Teamwork and Dedication
Sub-Committee Chair, Peter Abraham, praised the collaborative efforts that contributed to Ge’Eve’s victory. He highlighted the significant role of the government, the festival office, and committed individuals such as Permanent Secretary Sharon Stevens and her team.
“There are a few people in Antigua I will go to battle with — and she (Ge’Eve) is one. On stage, she’s a totally different person. The sky is the limit for you, young lady. You have earned my respect.”
He emphasized that this victory belongs to the people of Antigua and Barbuda, underscoring the need to continue guiding and supporting Ge’Eve as she advances her career.
