The blue and yellow balloons and rags that littered the East Coast told the story.

Natalie Natahlee Burke yesterday became the second woman in the competition's history to take home the Party Monarch title with the popular Colours.

After finishing in the bridesmaid position to Alison Hinds in 1997, Natahlee has been vindicated. The Bacchanal Time calypsonian amassed 419 points to beat tentmate Edwin into second position by a whopping 31 points.

On a day when most of the acts failed to hit, Natahlee was one of seven to make a major impact. Her start appeared to be a bit off-key, but the proud Bajans were oblivious to that.

Those who didn't get their hands on theblue and yellow rags waved anything as they jumped and wined to the patriotic number.

The clearly overwhelmed Natahlee was full of praises for God, her co-writer Shontelle Layne, her management team, family, friends, sponsor and Terencia TC Coward.

She said TC "refused" to judge for the Party Monarch so that she could put her efforts behind her.

Edwin, who has built up a reputation for his over-the-top presentations, did not match his standards this year. The five-time winner still had the "yardies" in a frenzy with Yardie Graduate. Much to the delight of the crowd, the list of graduates from his school of hard knocks included Peter Ram and Li'l Rick, who both made brief appearances.

FirstCaribbean Headliners' Mr Dale copped third with One Hand. He was followed by Lorenzo with Nice and Easy and Kimberley Inniss with Free. Inniss must be credited for giving one of the more dynamic presentations of the day.

The "old dawgs" must be feeling quite pleased with themselves. Grynner was first out the block and set a blistering pace with Repeat. He ended the day in tenth position. De Hawk rose above the expectation of many and put enough into Man Don't Say Nothing to land in 14. Grynner's cousin Cut Loose, 66, did in fact lick the rust off a few of his competitors and came in at 18.

The 20 contestants finished in the following order: Natahlee, Edwin, Mr Dale, Lorenzo, Kimberley Inniss, Barry Chandler, Donella Weekes, Bumba, Mikey, Grynner, Pyper, Apache, William Watts, De Hawk, Keisha Christian, Peach, Sherwin Straker, Cut Loose, Rusty and Villan.

Music of the Islands

Caribbean Holidays

BARBADOS