Promoter of Mas Dominik 2016, Val Cuffy has called for more considerate reactions to the judges’ decisions at competitions this Carnival season.
He insisted that the judges at the various shows are qualified, and expressed disdain at the reaction of the public to the decisions made by the panel.
“The judging of the shows in Dominica is left to those that are charged to do this, and it is kind of regrettable that sometimes we take it so personal,” he said on Wednesday.
Cuffy referenced the slandering of recently-crowned Carnival Princess, Rayne Benjamin, on social media, and requested that persons refrain from posting abusive comments.
“We noticed that on Facebook, and in other posts around in regards to the Princess Show. It was very regrettable the way that the young princess this year was treated, in terms of the abuse that she received, and we would not like that to continue for subsequent shows.”
He asked that in future, the public reacts maturely to the judges’ decision, regardless of their individual preference.
“So, moving forward… let’s just all agree that it’s only one person who can ultimately be the victor, and the judges’ decision is final. And even if we have our personal preferences, we should not really pass that rage onto the person who [is] ultimately judged the winner,” he noted. “So, we want to ask the general public to come with your good intentions. Come and support all the contestants.”
why is it that we always have to be enslaved to suit other people’s thoughts…..if injustice was done in the princess show the people will speak…i don’t think its a matter of being disrespectful its just facts….in Dca we have seen that the people in high post are the ones excising wrong and nothing is done…how can da judges be qualified and not notice that grandbay school performed a talent which is a copy right? nothing was original and they gave her best talent..come on..how can the judges not realize that Rayne did not use the stage and did not even stay for 2 minutes as supposed , how could they not see that the song used was inappropriate for princess show … but still they gave her best in costume…what qualifications did these judges have if they were so blind to see those things…who are you all fulling????????
Mr. Cuffy is right. Like in football, the referee is the judge and their decision is final. Why else have judges? If you don’t agree with the composition of the panel and fear prejudice, don’t take part. Every parent thinks their child is an eagle , that is naturalbut most are just sparrows. That is life. It is taking part that counts, especially at carnival. There are more serious things for us to consider.
Let us put this unfortunate issue, yes this unfortunate developments over the past week to an end. Both sides have been hurt the winner by insults and the others because they feel justice did not prevail. To all persons who have been hurt in one way or another in this year’s princess show please lets bring this to an end.
Like Mr. Cuffy I to condemn the unpleasant turn of events. Unfortunately to many times princess shows have been won because of sympathy, dislike for, or love for. I look forward to seeing this year’s Princess Show, the cause of this huge uproar. I would like to call on Mr. Cuffy in acknowledging the fact that the Judges decision is final that he instructs Judges for the up coming shows teenage pageant, QUEEN and KING Shows to be extremely diligent in their deliberations, be extremely just and fair when making the final decision as to who emerges winner. It would be indeed a lovely carnival if we could see that the results were fair and free of bias.
Rage and jealousy are rampant in our country. Let us free ourselves , at all levels, of these behaviors in order to build a better and more peaceful Dominica