THE Region Two Administration is making big preparations to host the finals of this year’s National Chutney Competition.

A release from that body has said that the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground is being prepared as the venue for the grand finale, expected to be very hot and spicy with some nineteen contestants competing for the championship.

Coordinator of the Mash Secretariat, Mr Lennox Canterbury, told this publication that 19 contestants would participate in the finals of the chutney competition, and they would be backed by the Shakti Strings Orchestra. He said four contestants would be representing Region Two at the finals.

He also revealed that contestants from New York and Canada would be challenging the local competition for the chutney crown.

The Coordinator said the competition winner would receive a cash prize of $600,000, while the second place winner would receive $420,000 and the third place winner would receive $265,000. Each winner would be presented with a trophy. Moreover, the contestant adjudged best newcomer would receive $115,000.

Canterbury said the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports would be sponsoring all the prizes and paying as costs associated with hiring the band and transporting all the artistes to Region Two, but the Region Two Administration would have responsibility for the venue and to advertise and promote the event in the region.

Canterbury deemed the level and quality of the show important. He said a sponsor(s) is/are still needed to come on board for the grand finale.

Region Two Chairman, Mr Parmanand Persaud, said he is anticipating a show that would attract thousands of patrons from across the region. He called on the committee to seek out local producers/manufacturers in the region to sponsor the chutney show.