Panorama Controversy By OBSERVER News

[Pan Times]

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – LIME Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra – the 2011 Panorama champion – said it would not be swayed by talk of legal action over the results of the Carnival show, following concerns over the points’ distribution.

The matter has been debated, albeit behind the scenes, by those in the pan fraternity and was made public yesterday by pan enthusiast Leon “Kuma” Rodney who suggested the matter could be taken to court.

Hell’s Gate spokesperson Stafford Joseph last night took a strong stance on the issue, stating they have done nothing wrong.

“I don’t know who they going to take to court because my band don’t have issues with anybody. My band cannot be charged because judges adjudicated in our favour. They would have to deal with the judges, they would have to deal with the CDC or whoever is dealing with that and they have to get the steel band association involved, but my band would not be involved in such nonsense,” he stated.

“When the adjudicators finish that’s it for me. They judge and we have to move on.”

Rodney’s contention is that the Hadeed Group of Companies AMP Halcyon Steel Orchestra placed second despite scoring 287, the highest points overall, while Hell’s Gate scored 282.

Members of the Halcyon Steel orchestra expressed concerns about the scoring, but said that any decision about legal action would have to be agreed to by the band members.

Acting President of the Antigua & Barbuda Steel Pan Association Patrick “Stone” Johnson said concerns have not been raised with the association, so far.

(More in today’s Daily OBSERVER)

http://www.antiguaobserver.com/?p=63493

[Foy Barnes]

This is a Panorama that I attended a few weeks ago.  It is not for me to say who won or lose, but it is difficult for me to believe that any of those two bands won or lost by a five point spread.  The compitition was just that tight.  Both bands dropped the hammer, BIG TIME.  Anyone of the two could have won and I would not have had a problem with that.  So, if in fact in the final tally of points there was a five point spread between those two bands, some judge DID NOT DO HIS OR HER JOB.  I do sincerely hope that this matter is thoroughly reviewed, and if there is wrong doing, those responsible are held accountable.  I am a firm believer in THE JUDGES DECISION IS FINAL, but that does not mean that one cannot and shoud not ask questions.  Peace!

[Bugs]

And who are the judges? What was the amount of the prize monies awarded?

bugs

[jerome ebenezer clarke]

 Now this is another important piece,like something fishy going down, if not,, someone that happens to be reading the comments  may  be able to shed a light pertaining to the judges and the money,this is no accusation it,s what we do call,,,speculation. i could be very stubburn sometimes,,well let me state it quite clearly,,, with reference to  the money and the judges, i think that this ought to be publisised , just it was done relevant to the scores of the bands,,yo kant put a lill piece   for the public to be aware of and hide the rest,,just as it was publisised  for Canada what was, or the expected prize money for the  steelbands, this ought to be done also for Antigua, ah hope nobody ain,t vex wid me,truth is truth and facts is facts.

[jerome ebenezer clarke]

Honestly speaking ,for me to express myself  over this situation,the words does not exist in the encyclopedia.,this is beyond ignorance,, nevertheless i,m still going to try something,,,there is only one solution,,give jack e jacket,,,,ah gon mek it easy fu them if deh kant see ,,,287,,,is higher that,,,282,,,,,,soh 287 breng fus place,,,,,once  the numbers are already written, the pen is mightier than the sword,,no need for the Court to intervene,,those that have made the blonder must and i do state must   correct same immediately,it,s so simple,as far as i,m concerned it seems as though there  are wrong persons being placed in the right place ,,which must be reversed,mind you i,m basing my comments on what i,ve read, so i am always open to corrections.