Antigua, St. John's - Weeks ahead of Carnival 2012 activities, LIME Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra has threatened to withdraw from the Antigua and Barbuda Pan Association (ABPA) over ignored concerns about a first place title it shares with the Hadeed Group of Companies AMP Halcyon Steel Orchestra for the 2011 ACB Panorama Competition.
The title decision was taken by the Antigua and Barbuda Pan Association and the Carnival Development Committee, and announced by Culture Minister Eleston "Namba" Adams in March.
In a letter issued by Hell’s Gate to acting president of the ABPA Patrick Johnson on May 22, signed by trustee Stafford Joseph, LIME [Hell’s Gate] pointed out that the ABPA had failed to respond the group’s “salient concerns” about “the covert and unconstitutional manner in which the ABPA operates”.
So far, the association has not made a public announcement of the position reported by the minister.
A letter was also sent to Chairman of the CDC Kayode O’Marde.
LIME Hell’s Gate had initially been adjudged the sole winners of the 2011 competition, but a review of the judging system forced not only the naming of another winner, but also the same prize money and bragging rights for both teams.
According to the group's letter, a meeting on Friday April 20 saw LIME Hell’s Gate serving the ABPA with a written copy of its concerns. It requested a written response within five days.
“To date, some 25 days have elapsed, and the ABPA has failed to submit a response," the letter said. "On this premise, be notified that the LIME Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra is presently contemplating the withdrawal of its membership from the ABPA and its non-participation in the 2012 National Panorama, should the ABPA fail to make public its official position, regarding the March 26, 2012 press statement by the Hon Eleston Adams, as it pertains to the results of the 2011 ACB National Panorama."
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