Chanique Bailey is the new Calypso Monarch of St Vincent and the Grenadines after capturing the coveted title at the Dimanche Gras competition held at Independence Park last evening.

Bailey, who represents the Dynamites Calypso Tent, impressed the judges with her performance of “Lift Me Up”, dethroning reigning monarch Raeon “Madzart” Primus.

Robert “Patches” Knights finished as first runner-up, while Shaunelle McKenzie secured third place and Lornette “Fya Empress” Nedd placed fourth.

Eleven challengers were selected by the Carnival Development Corporation to take on Primus for the national title.

The finalists were Cecile “Lil Bit” King, Chanique Bailey, Grantley “Ipa” Constance, Kemmy Christopher, Kenley “Lyrical Melody” Baptiste, Kenneth “Vibrating Scakes” Alleyne, Lornette “Fya Empress” Nedd, Robert “Patches” Knights, Shaunelle McKenzie, Shena Collis and Utamu “Bongo Prime” Rose.

Speaking with the blog Beauty of SVG following her victory, Bailey said she entered the competition feeling as though the crown was already on her head because of the overwhelming response her song had received from people on the streets.

Bailey said she is grateful for the love and support she has received and thanked the Dynamites Calypso Tent for creating a welcoming environment that allowed artists not only to perform, but also to collaborate.