Shaquelle Charlery, representing the Bordelais Correctional Facility, delivered a standout performance to capture the 2026 Inter-Commercial Calypso Monarch title, edging out two-time champion Erny J by the slimmest of margins in a dramatic finish at the National Cultural Centre.
Performing “Bordelais Sad Stories,” a powerful cautionary tale highlighting the consequences of poor life choices that lead to incarceration, Charlery amassed 388 points to secure the crown. The victory denied Saint Lucia Workers Credit Union’s Erny J a historic third consecutive title, with his rendition of “One Last Time” finishing just one point behind on 387 points.
Rounding out the top four was Eka of the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF) with “Matters of the Heart” on 367 points, while Lady J, representing the Water & Sewerage Company (WASCO), placed fourth with “Roots Before Fruits,” earning 361 points.
A total of 16 commercial houses competed in this year’s contest. Other participating organisations included the Ministry of Justice, Saint Lucia Teachers’ Union (SLTU), Castries Constituency Council, Saint Lucia Development Bank, Sports Saint Lucia Incorporated, KM2 Solutions, Saint Lucia Teachers’ Credit Co-operative, IBS Group of Companies, Bank of Saint Lucia Ltd., Ministry of Tourism and Dax’s Wholesale.
Thursday night’s competition officially launched one of the busiest weekends on Saint Lucia’s Carnival calendar, with the National Groovy and Power Soca Monarch set for Friday, the Calypso Monarch Competition on Saturday, the Republic Bank Panorama Competition on Sunday, and King and Queen of the Bands on Monday.
