Why is TUCO taken to court every year?

In this issue with “Bodyguard” I found it strange that the organisation should have once again chosen that route.

As a former Judges’ Co-ordinator of the organisation, I cannot recall any rule that allows the “Young King” to be automatically selected for the semi-finals. The judging system for these competitions is quite different, and it is not the first time that a calypsonian who won the Young King was not selected for the semi-finals.

This is the second time in three years TUCO has had injunctions filed against them by calypsonians, who were not originally placed by the judges to perform at the semi-finals, and in both instances the decision to concede is quite mysterious, which makes one wonder if there are matters the organisation does not want the courts to reveal.

This year it was agreed that 35 calypsonians were to be selected by the judges. This was increased to 48, through a mandate which I understand was given to the Executive to increase the original number selected by the judges.

Questions:

• Were the additional 13 recommended by the judges? If not, what method did TUCO use to select these 13?

• Did the people who selected the 13, actually see the performances of those selected or was an arbitrary process used?

• If “Bodyguard” was not originally selected by the judges, why then did the organisation concede and settle out-of-court?

• How would the organisation deal with calypsonians who placed higher than “Bodyguard” on the judges list and were not considered for the semi-finals?

• How could “Young Creole” be on the original list of 48 for Skinner Park and suddenly become a guest artiste just before he was scheduled to perform in front of the judges?

I believe since the “Abbi Blackman issue” that the TUCO Executive is setting a dangerous precedent which will lead to the demise of most of their major competitions. The words, “the judges decision is final” (Except in Court) has become null and void and not taken seriously by the calypsonians.

I want to suggest that in respect to this present issue, that TUCO release the merit list which was signed, dated and submitted by the judges, showing the placing of all the calypsonians who performed during the preliminary round of the competition. This would dispel all the rumours concerning the selection of the semi-finalists for last Saturday’s show. I believe that this information would allow the public and more so the calypsonians to regain respect and trust in the organisation, for it would show that everything was done above board.

TUCO must realise that there are serious challenges in respect to their administrative and judging processes; they must recognise the numerous biases that affect the judging system, and seek meaningful and constructive ways to improve the processes.

There are a number of individuals like myself who are in love with the “Art form” and totally committed to its improvement. Whenever we show concern and criticise the organisation it should not be taken as a personal attack on any particular individual or individuals, or that we should like to take over the organisation. TUCO needs to listen to the dissenting views objectively and strive for progressive growth and development of the organisation.