Z. Eklund Adams, known on stage as Officer and crowned 2005 Calypso Monarch, has issued a public statement following the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee’s announcement of his disqualification from the 2025 Calypso Monarch Competition. Officer’s response reflects his continued passion for calypso and his commitment to using the art form to address social issues affecting the BVI.
Officer’s Full Statement:
Whenever I am eligible to compete again, I will be coming even stronger. I love the art form, I love that I can use the platform to speak on issues that are affecting the BVI. On the night I did what I set out to do, was to bring awareness to the BVI at large. It is important we pay attention to our youths as well as the victims of the BVI. That’s the message I started rallying and I won’t change any of it.
“There are no hard feelings at all.”
I want to thank the Calypso Association for giving me the opportunity to enter the show. Special thanks to Miss Freeman, the President of the Calypso Association, and all calypsonians, for making me feel welcome. It was my first time entering and they make it felt like I was there from years ago.
To my fans, don’t worry, I will be back super strong. I will give a magical performance whenever that time comes for me to enter. What I give you Saturday night was a taste — the smoke is yet to come lol.
I end off with this quote: “When you lose your culture you loose your identy.”
Officer wishes each and everyone a safe and violent-free festival. Stay bless.
