YVONNE WEBB

JUST days after CEO of the Ultimate Soca Champion (USC) Jerome “Rome” Precilla warned the competition could not survive without government backing, Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin has provided a tentative lifeline for the fledgling but impactful soca platform.

Speaking with Newsday on January 9, Benjamin confirmed she had received feedback from the committee usually responsible for the event and revealed that discussions are ongoing. She explained that the 2025 edition of USC was facilitated through a tendering process, and a contract has been drawn up.