The major events began on Friday (07 Jul 2006) with Miss Dominica Nikita Bruno defeating contestants from 13 Caribbean and South America to win the Miss Caribbean Carnival (Miss Carival) pageant. On Sunday (09 Jul 2006), Trinidadian soca star Destra Garcia, the featured artiste at the Soca Monarch Finals asked fans here to pray for her country which she said has recently witnessed a spate of incidents of sexual abuse against young children.
Garcia detailed to thousands of soca lovers several incidents in which young children were sexually abused in Trinidad, some of whom died during the acts, adding that she was "serious about these issues."
The prolific soca artiste Delroy "Fireman" Hooper defeated 19 other contenders for that title. He brought on stage all elements of carnival during his presentation, including the Point Fortin Iron Giants groups from Trinidad.
Asked how he is able to put so much energy into his performance, the artiste said:"Let me just give thanks and praise to the Almighty first. I was born with it. It is destiny. It is all about the people. The people I believe in and I believe in myself; that is where the energy comes from."
On Sunday Calypsonian Grantley "Ipa" Cosntance defeated nine other artistes to win the national calypso monarch title for the fitrst time in his 23 year career. "I have been winning this crown since I started but I never got it until this time," Constance said shortly after he was crowned. He added: "Over the years I have been consistent with my performance and my music and it is just about time that I got my due respect."
Additionally, there was a strong yet non-invasive police presence, complimented by stop and search of vehicle and body searches through out the festival
