Iwer George Apologizes…and Withdraws Statements About Machel

Neil ‘Iwer’ George is eating humble pie…finally. In a statement released to the media this weekend, Iwer was forced to  gave a heartfelt apology to the Caribbean Prestige Foundation for the Performing Arts (producers of the International Soca Monarch Competition) for comments he made regarding contest winner Machel Montano during CNMG’s live coverage of the event.

On Carnival Tuesday (February 21st), Iwer cried about  complained that Machel exceeded the allotted performance time during the Soca Monarch competition without penalty, and that he was allowed to use fireworks during his performance while other performers were prohibited.

Upon examination of the International Soca Monarch Competition contract, there are no penalties indicated for going over the allotted time, and there is no clause for or against the use of fireworks.

“As an artiste, I’ve had a long and intimate interaction with Caribbean Prestige Foundation for the Performing Arts, and I have a great respect for what it represents, the statements made during the interview were done in the heat of Carnival Tuesday and with inadequate facts,” Iwer George said in a statement this weekend. “It had never been my intention to bring the reputation of the International Soca Monarch Competition and/or its producer into disrepute and therefore having been made aware of the facts as they are, I wish to withdraw statements made.”

Recalling 2011′s Soca Monarch Competition, Iwer’s “Come to Meh” came in second to Machel’s “Advantage.” In the intro to his 2012 “Jab (No Pain)” Iwer states “if you know they rob me last year put you two hand in the air…” – well, apparently everyone’s hands stayed at their sides, because Iwer came in second again this year to Machel’s “Pump Yuh Flag.”

Well, Iwer, there’s always next year…