CATEGORY:CULTURE ------------------------ INSIDE GRENADA FRIDAY July 13,2007 by Grenada Cultural Foundation ST. GEORGE’S: The Grenada Cultural Foundation received a petition from the Grenada Calypso and Cultural Association, stating their total opposition with respect to the use of local judges. This petition was also signed by some members of the G.P.A.C.T It must be noted that even before the submission of this letter, several complaints and visits were made to the Ministry of Culture, media and other interested parties would also have been aware of their concerns. The foundation does not intend to debate the advantages or disadvantages of using foreign judges instead of local ones. We also do not intend to cast aspersions on our local judges who over the years have given yeoman service to the development of the art form. However, rightly or wrongly, many artistes, Grenadians at home and abroad appear to be dissatisfied with the quality and the results of the local judging. True or untrue, real or perceived, there is the perception that there is bias and that only a certain clique of Calypsonians make it to the finals every year. Therefore justice must not only be done, it must also appear to be done. Over the years, this view has created havoc in the cultural arena, almost splitting the country in two culturally, dividing Calypsonians into separate camps and causing unnecessary controversy. It was for these perceived biases that the Steelband Association eleven years ago made an historic decision to use only foreign judges and has continued to do so up to this day. The Steel Band Association is extremely happy because it has worked well for them and the public is satisfied. The public is informed that this is not a hasty decision of the Cultural Foundation. This conclusion is based on a request sent by one association and signed by some influential members of the other association, in addition to the several other reasons that are outlined in this statement. Further, meetings were held with the two bodies in which this issue was discussed. The G.C.C.A. was adamant that there would be no compromise whatsoever in that only foreign judges should be used. On the other hand, the Executive of G.P.A.C.T was against the suggestion although several individual members of their association have signed the said petition. In conclusion, the Grenada Cultural Foundation hopes that this information will clear the air with respect to why the decision was taken to use only foreign judges. We therefore appeal to all supporters of the art form to unite and give this new undertaking a chance.