Kingstown, St Vincent June 18, 2026 – Carnival organisers have handed the public a direct role in shaping this year’s Soca Monarch competition, with thousands of people already voting to determine which performer will claim a wildcard place in the finals.
Chairman of the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC), Ricky Adams, said the initiative was introduced following an overwhelming response to the preliminary rounds of the competition and is aimed particularly at increasing youth participation in Vincy Mas 2026.
Speaking at a CDC press conference on 17 June, Mr Adams revealed that 179 entries were received for this year’s Soca Monarch competition. Those entries were reduced to 44 performers in the semi-finals before judges selected 12 and 13 finalists in the respective categories.
However, he said the quality and popularity of the remaining performers prompted organisers to introduce a new wildcard system, allowing the public to choose an additional artist for the finals.
“We’ve had 3,700 votes so far,” Mr Adams said, noting that voting had opened only hours earlier. He added that the initiative was generating significant interest, especially among younger audiences.
“We’re just adding that option of the wildcard, and that is getting a lot of traction, particularly with the youth,” he said.
Mr Adams stressed that no contestant selected by the judges would lose their place in the competition, with the public vote simply adding another performer to the line-up.
The CDC chairman said the move formed part of wider efforts to keep Vincy Mas relevant while strengthening public participation and encouraging younger generations to take ownership of the festival.
His comments came as organisers outlined preparations for the peak period of Vincy Mas 2026, which officially enters its 10-day festival phase later this month.