Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Stedson 'Red Plastic Bag' Wiltshire performs at the finals of the Pic-O-De-Crop in St. Michaels, Barbados, recently. - Photo courtesy of The nation

Christ Church, Barbados:

It may seem unfair for one man to win the Crop Over title eight times, but that will not stop Stedson 'Red Plastic Bag' Wiltshire. And there is more to come.

"I think as the champion I have to defend and I am looking forward to it," Red Plastic Bag, popularly known as RPB, said.

RPB went into retirement three years ago when he thought he had won enough, but he is back in the fray after fans pleaded for his return and others taunted him by saying he ran away. Being the champion he is, he decided to show the taunters it's best to let sleeping dogs lie.

Regardless of winning the equivalent of US$5,000 and a brand new Toyota Yaris motor car to go with the other cars he has won, RPB said at this stage in his career the competition goes beyond that.

A lot more to contribute

"I believe I have a lot more contribution to make to Crop Over ... That is why I keep doing it," he said.

RPB first song on the night of the competition's finals was Bajans Can't See, in which, among other things, he said "where there is no vision, thepeople will perish". His large props made the message even more compelling. In his second song he stuck it to the mass that doubted the reason he gave for retiring. One line says "deh claim she me run away, but look meh hey".

RPB's first win was in 1982 and he won again two years later. He also recorded wins in 1989, 1996 and back-to-back titles in 2002 and 2003. RPB snapped Kid Site's three-year winning streak. He compares his role as a calypsonian to a mirror which reflects it society by provoking thoughts, social issues political and economic debate. Most of all, he sees himself as a representative of the masses, especially for those who are considered to be in the low socio-economic bracket.

RPB has composed for Alison Hinds, Nathalee Burke and Square One, among others, but with all his credentials the 2007 victory was an overwhelming one.

"I am so delighted and I am happy to see all the people who came to support with their Red Plastic Bag," he said.