Panorama People's Choice flawed

[Terry Samuel]

 

Panorama People’s Choice flawed Friday, February 17 2012 THE EDITOR: On Tuesday February 12, 2012 on one of the local TV channels, Pan Trinbago conducted its annual draw for the positioning of bands for the finals in three categories this year. The event had some interesting moments, but in general, the event produced the desired goal. Before the VP of Pan Trinbago concluded his vote of thanks, FCL’s CEO, Daniel Lambert came on and talked about a process of electing a People’s Choice in each category with a $10,000 prize for the winner. I believe that the People’s Choice is a great idea because I recall in the mid-to-late 60s there was such a competition. Way back when the People’s Choice was a small part of the competition, cellphones and computers were not part of the norm, and it is commendable that Pan Trinbago, in collaboration with FCL has re-instated the People’s Choice in the 21st Century. Here is the problem. FCL’s CEO, Daniel Lambert said voting for the competition will begin on the Friday before the finals on Saturday. Brilliant, but a dumb move. What is the voting on Friday going to be based on? The level of effusiveness among steelband supporters in Trinbago is massive, Bad—Michael Jackson kinda Bad—and when you encourage patrons to vote for a band without even hearing the actual performance, one has to wonder, what is the purpose? Dancing With the Stars, American Idol, The X Factor are shows that feed off a viewing interactive process and votes are tabulated based on the performances of the competitors. Why should the finals of Panorama be different? Should voting be based on the performance or the level of effusiveness one has for a band? Over the past few years, the question always comes up, where steelband going? Well, with policies and initiatives like this, one can be assured that, it eh going nowhere—fast. Orville Wright via e-mail

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