Morris Roye, the man who has always believed in Noddy's ability to make it big.
WESTERN BUREAU:
THE QUAINT farming community in southeast St. Elizabeth is buzzing with excitement, its residents almost euphoric with an infectious bit of camaraderie sweeping the community caused by the meteoric rise of 'Rising Stars' contestant, Noddy Virtue.
Virtue, a bona fide 'son of the soil' of the parish, is one of two persons vying for the 2005 'Rising Stars' title and $1 million in cash and prizes.
"His participation in the competition really brings a certain unity to communities surrounding Comma Pen," related 26-year-old Lisa Powell, Noddy's childhood friend. "We know of his ability and we always try to encourage him to put it out there."
COMMUNITY OVERWHELMED
Lisa, who described herself as Noddy's unofficial public relations manager, said the entire community is overwhelmed by his achievements in the competition.
"We nuh keep (phone) credit round here since Noddy enter 'Rising Stars', and we not talking $100 credit, me mean $500 and $1,000 cards," she added. "If a vote, him can't lose and him have the talent."
She also thanked the show's producers for the opportunity given to Noddy and by extension, the parish of St. Elizabeth, which is also being showcased through the competition.
Comma Pen, which is about two miles outside the town of Junction, is known predominantly for the warm hospitality of its residents and the cultivation of scallion, thyme and tomato. In fact, on a trek to the community, one is greeted by fields of produce that line the roadways.
But Comma Pen is now home of 'Noddy Wednesdays', a weekly dance session that is experiencing a large crowd turnout from persons across the island.
Morris Roye, an elderly resident of Comma Pen, has also been an advocate of Noddy's ability to make it in the big time.
"From day one coming up, him always singing and mi tell him, him going to turn superstar," Mr. Morris stated. "Mi even buy Lotto to see if mi win some money fi buss him. Nobody caan glad more than me 'cause him gone a lead now."
