By Verdel Bishop
Copyright trinidadexpress
The La Reine Rive Self-Expression and Talent Finals, part of the Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy Competition, came to a halt on Saturday night at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts after a contestant set off smoke bombs on stage during her performance.
Best Village programme manager Louris Martin Lee-Sing told the Express by phone yesterday that an investigation into the incident was ongoing.
While no damage was done to the San Fernando venue, the audience had to be evacuated as a precaution.
She confirmed the performances of five participants will be postponed to a later date to be announced.
Fifteen finalists were vying for the title of Miss La Reine Rive 2025.
“One of the competitors, as part of her presentation, released smoke bombs that were so strong. They were not intended for indoor use. The competitor released them without permission. We didn’t know this was going to happen.
“We had a full house Saturday night and had to evacuate patrons. While no one was physically affected, the audience was visibly shocked and shaken by the incident,” Lee-Sing said.
“Right now investigations are ongoing to find out exactly what happened. The performer was not disqualified; no actions or declarations have been taken as yet. The other five contestants will be rescheduled.
“It is not that easy to remount for their respective productions, as they would have gathered considerable and significant resources like hair, make-up, props, paid musicians and equipment. They would have invested in those things. We are trying to get a solution that is fair and equitable to be able to crown a queen this year.”
She said Southern Academy staff took quick measures to evacuate the venue as quickly as possible.
“The venue was evacuated in a timely manner, and all health and safety procedures were initiated, but the smoke was not clearing. Five competitors did not get to showcase their talent.
“This is a first time for the Best Village. I’ve been in this industry for 30 years and I’ve never seen anything like that,” she stated.
She said the rules will have to be revamped, moving forward.
“We have to look at the rules of the competition. I would never have expected something like this to occur. Right now we really have to figure the way forward. We are trying to support all the affected competitors—not just the five who didn’t get to showcase their talent. We are working on solutions for everybody,” Lee-Sing said.
Ministry monitoring
The Ministry of Culture and Community Development also reassured the public the “health, safety and well-being of all contestants, patrons and attendees remain our utmost priority”, and confirmed officials from both the Prime Minister’s Best Village Competition and the Southern Academy commenced preliminary investigations on-site.
A news release from the ministry yesterday said based on preliminary accounts of these actions, Red Cross and ministry personnel who were on-site immediately activated the requisite response to maintain the safety of all present.
