Solutions for the Carnival

THE EDITOR: Whilst the issue of bands taking too long to cross the stage is being mooted at the moment please allow me to submit two possible solutions. My first suggestion is that a large digital countdown counter be mounted across the breadth of the stage. All bands would be given an allocated time to cross the stage. For example large bands — 60 minutes, medium bands — 30 minutes and small bands — 15 minutes. As soon as the band makes its way on stage the counter should be activated. The band should have cleared the stage by the time the counter reached to zero.

Just after the counter reaches zero it should then go into a count up mode. Every minute displayed should be converted to points deducted on the judges’ sheets. Very few bands would risk losing valuable points already awarded and would need no security to shepherd them off the stage. My second suggestion would be to do away with the stage altogether.

M A GUILDFORD
Diego Martin