Dear Editor,
The book of principles advised that, “A messenger who cannot be trusted can cause a lot of trouble, but good communication makes progress happens.” As I ponder on this advice, it informs me that more often than not, the best course of action to deal with a dispute is to allow the dust to settle. But, during the heat of the moment is when one listens attentively to the comments, analyses them, and then responds with specific data that surround the particular circumstance.
For some people, the result of the recently-held calypso elimination was disappointing, while for others they have absolutely no problem with the outcome. Personally, the public can shred the judges to pieces if they so desire; but when it comes to those who are involved in the art form, then the situation becomes different.
When I listened to a calypsonian, who has been crowned numerous times (perhaps the most and with some controversy), remark that the judges could not differentiate between judging a calypsonian and a comedian, then, it truly indicates that there is a division among members of the art form. His comments remind me of the behaviour of some politicians, who feel that politics belongs to them only. Last year, when this calypsonian was placed first in the eliminations by a fraction of the same judges, were they good then or only because the outcome benefitted him?
Another calypsonian, who captured the crown about 4 times, also trashed the judges. A few years ago, when a particular judge gave him a perfect score for all segments of his rendition, nothing was wrong then. I can recall in the village, the large group of calypso lovers who were at the front remarked, “What, how he get there?” None of the supporters had him placed, much less to be crowned king. The question is, were these judges competent then or only because it worked in his favour?
However, the most damaging part of this scenario is the behaviour of the MC, who continuously enticed the public to trash the judges – someone whose task was to entertain and release the results at the appropriate time. When one has to deal with a twofaced individual, it is hard to find the correct words to describe that person. The only words that can be used appropriately, in order not to insult, are, “the MC is nothing but a counterfeit.”
When I listened to how the MC of the calypso elimination commented on the decision of the judges, I shook my head in awe. But during the upheaval, I learned that this is exactly who he is. He says one thing in front of one’s face and behind his or her back, he twisted his tongue.
What was amazing is that the MC made sure that he informed the public that SCDF pleaded with the judges and asked if they could live with their decisions. Oh, when one throw stones and hide their hands…Wow! Little do his godson, The Protégé and the public know, this same MC said repeatedly to the judges in the presence of members of SCDF, “A goin tell all you something, I agree wit all you. He was definitely off key. From de moment he start to sing, I tell my wife dat he is singing out of key, and so I agree wit all you.”
Now that the MC has achieved his goal, he should ask himself, can he look The Protégé in his eyes and the same public, and tell them that he did not say that he agreed with the judges’ decision? Then he should ask himself further, can he live with his conscience?
What was startling is that before the names were announced, the MC and other persons knew who the finalists were. This information should have been divulged just prior to the announcement. Personally, I believe that the issue was mishandled. If SCDF needed to dialogue with the judges, they should have consulted them privately. What is it they expected the judges to do in front of the hundreds of people, change the score?
Moreover, it’s so strange that the MC said that he did not understand what The Mighty Pepper sang. The story was as clear as day. Anyone who lives on Sint Maarten knows exactly what the song was about. He even mentioned the name of the politician’s spouse and asked her what to do in his crisis, and also demonstrated how the situation has affected him.
This is the hypocrisy of the MC who claimed on Saturday that he did not understand what Pepper sang about, but a few days after, the same MC was on air praising how good Pepper’s rendition was. So which is it really?
There is an outcry to have competent judges for the calypso shows. The question is: Does being experienced in the art form become a guarantee for the desired results? As far as I can see, the judges are viewed as incompetent, depending on who is affected.
Joslyn Morton
