VJ, from Region One (Barima/Waini), became the first calypsonian to take the crown twice in a row as he captured the hearts of some 5,000 Essequibians and the nine judges with his popular `Power Sharing' composition.

The Calypso King won the first prize of $500,000, a seven-day ticket to Trinidad and the `Mighty Intruder' trophy.

In second place was Camille Basdeo (`Tempest') with her `Survival of the Fittest' number.

VJ, who won the title last year with `VJ for President', was introduced to the crowd by his seven-year-old son who announced, "The President will be arriving shortly". This brought cheers from the huge crowd.

As `President VJ' arrived in a car complete with motorcycle outriders, the crowd went wild, cheering and calling for the Calypso Monarch.

He left the car and was escorted by his `bodyguard' to the stage, but the audience yelled and many reached out to get a handshake from the `President VJ'.

Dressed in a white three-piece suit and tie, he was garlanded by a beautiful young lady as he made his way on stage.

With the crowd overwhelmingly behind him, VJ shook hands and embraced many of his supporters before proceeding to sing his `Power Sharing' test piece and defend his title.

As he took the microphone and began singing, the crowd went wild again, shouting and dancing.

There was excitement around the ground and everyone, young and old, were on their feet dancing to the infectious music from the Mingles Sound Machine and supporting VJ in his `Power Sharing' piece.

When the Calypso Monarch ended his song, the audience shouted and begged for more -- `We want VJ again, with more power sharing!'

The nine others in their bid to dethrone the King also gained support from the crowd as they did their individual test pieces.

The first contestant on was Compton Hodge (`Singing Coo Coo) with his piece `No Respect'.

He was followed by Gregory London with `Nation Building' and `Sweet Kendingo' doing `Is PNC'.

Monica Wills, who sang as `Sweet Monix', also thrilled the crowd with her composition, `Guns, plenty guns...somebody please tell me what is going on because Sweet Monix doesn't know what is going on...guns, guns, plenty guns, long guns, short guns...'

Singing at the number five spot, `Tempest', dressed in a beautiful outfit adorned with the colours of the national flag, had the crowd behind her, too, with her test piece.

At number six, `Black Hat', who indeed wore a black hat, had everyone on their feet screaming and dancing as he sang `Contract Killings'.

Singing in the number seven position, `Professor Clem' (Noel Clementson) did `United are we in 2003'.

Winfield James came on at number eight with `We can't take no more' and he too had the crowd on its feet, urging `enough is enough - too much madness going on in here'.

Also thrilling the crowd was the `Mighty Voter' with `Corruption Works'.

VJ scored 598 from a maximum 600 points while Tempest netted 586.

Most of the other contestants did not exceed 550 points.

Three of the nine judges were from Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) - Mr. Tyrun Arjune (a teacher and musician); Captain Paul, a pilot, and Mr. Winston Roberts, a music teacher.

Deputy Mayor of Georgetown, Mr. Robert Williams was also a judge.

Chief judge was Mr. Enrico Woolford, of the `Capitol News' TV programme.

The Calypso National Finals was one of the biggest events on the Essequibo Coast so far this year and residents said they were looking forward to more competitions soon.