JUDGES SYMPOSIUM - 20-09-2005

On Saturday September 17th, 2005 the Grenada Carnival Committee facilitated a symposium for judges of Calypso and Soca. The Symposium took pace at the Conference Room of the Tropicana Restaurant & Bar. Thirty-three persons including judges, potential judges, representatives from the Calypso Associations and Artistes were in attendance.

The agenda of the Symposium entailed the judging of five (5) songs from the 2005 Carnival Season. That exercise gave everyone the opportunity to witness the wide gap in interpretation that could exist even though individuals are listening to the same song or songs.

The area that generated the most discussion was the score sheet for judging Calypso and Soca. The issue of originality featured prominently in that discussion and as this process continues with more symposiums and seminars a more in-depth look will be taken to see what can be done to ensure the criteria is fair and lends itself to the further development of the artform. The selection of judges and the concerns of judges were also issues that led to some very interesting and thought-provoking discussions.

The most productive aspect of the entire exercise was the selection of a Steering Committee to create a framework for the formation of a Judges Association.

The Steering Committee comprises judges, representatives from the Calypso Associations, and a representative from the Grenada Carnival Committee. The entire panel was able to agree that by year’s end a functional Judges Association should be in place.

The Grenada Carnival Committee is committed to the continued development of all things Cultural. This symposium is part of that commitment and the Grenadian public can expect much more of these undertakings in the future.

Anyone interested in judging Calypso and Soca or in being part of the Judges Association is asked to contact the Office of the Grenada Carnival Committee at telephone number 440-0621 or e-mail gcc@caribsurf.com.

Dexter Mitchell.