Marcus Mark, who performs under the stage name Young Blood, has expressed both relief and resolve following his confirmation as the 2025 Calypso Monarch. In an invited comment, he said, “I feel relieved that the show and nervousness are over with… but content with how I performed my songs regardless of the result. It’s unfortunate how things end up, but we all have the same guidelines to follow. Calypso preparation is a lot of work, as it was for me. I’m just a work-in-progress striving to get better and better, and I look forward to another intense battle next year.”
Mark’s comments followed an announcement from the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIFFC), which revealed that three competitors had been disqualified from the 2025 Calypso Monarch Competition due to violations of competition rules. The disqualifications came after a formal investigation concluded that four breaches occurred, all involving the use of material that had been previously presented in public or in past competitions.
According to the VIFFC, the disqualified participants—Z. Eklund Adams (Officer), Joycelyn Searles Duncan (Sistah Joyce), and Lester Fontelio (Le Le)—submitted songs that did not meet the requirement of originality, despite minor lyrical revisions. Rule 3 of the 2025 Calypso Competition Registration Form clearly states that “the Calypso must be your own composition and should not have been presented in any form prior to the competition.”
As a result of these findings, Marcus Mark was awarded the title of 2025 Calypso Monarch. In addition to the crown, sash, and trophy, Mark will receive a $6,000 cash prize. He was also named recipient of the Best Lyrics award, earning an additional $100, a trophy, and a sash.
The updated results also named Reynold Phillips (King Paido) as First Runner-Up, with a prize of $3,000, a sash, and a trophy. Jaynene Jno Lewis (Miss Understood) was named Second Runner-Up, receiving $2,000, a sash, and a trophy.
While the committee found that the disqualified competitors violated Rule 3, it emphasized that it did not believe there was any intent to deceive. The statement clarified that the individuals involved remain eligible to compete in the 2026 competition.
The VIFFC also extended thanks to Sistah Joyce for bringing the potential rule discrepancy to their attention on July 28, which prompted the internal review. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, transparency, and accountability in all events under the Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival.
