EVENT co-ordinators must raise funds on their own to pay for expenses arising out of the occasion, Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs, Marlene McDonald, has said.

"These are private events and competitions. The ministry cannot meet 100 per cent of the prizes, it can't work. You need to plan ways to assist in the raising of the funds," she said.

Speaking at the formal prize-giving ceremony for the winners of the September 2007 National Chutney Monarch Competition at the ministry's St Ann's office on Monday, McDonald said the ministry should be seen as donors of last resort.

Commenting on questions raised by the artistes for the reason why payment was delayed, the minister said after appointment to the post on November 19 last year the ministry needed to "work out some administration" problems.

President of the National Chutney Association, Dr Vijay Ramlal Rai, said the organisation had hopes of splitting the competition in two this year with the song category in November and a World Chutney Soca Monarch at Carnival next year.

But McDonald said the ministry could not promise that as they had already submitted the budget for these events.

However, McDonald said the ministry would continue to remain faithful to the organisation as it stands ready to assist and promote the industry.

Placing first in the competition was Nirmal "Massive" Gosine, who was represented by Navin Laloo. Second position went to Ramdeen "Falco" Mahraj while third place went to Mohip Poonwassie.

A total of 16 winning artistes were each presented with a trophy and a cheque.