by YVETTE BEST

AN ARTISTE does not havethe right to launch an objection on his own behalf.

That is the word from corporate communications specialist of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), Wayne Simmons, who was responding to a story carried on the back page of the SUNDAY SUN in which calypsonian Smokey Burke was objecting to a particular judge.

Simmons said that any objections would have to be launched through representative organisations, The Alliance, United Artistes of Barbados (UAB) or the Barbados Association of Tent Managers (BATMAN), with whom the foundation negotiated.

"They have the right as a group, representing their people, to object to anyone sitting on the panel. They do not have to state their reasons why, they only need to say 'we do not want that person to sit on the panel,'" Simmons explained.

He said there was no objection from any of the three groups when the lists of judges were circulated.

Burke is citing the cases of last year's chief judge Jeff Shepherd and other past cases, which he believed set the precedent for his objection.

In the case of Shepherd, president of BATMAN Sinclair Gittens confirmed to the DAILY NATION that the letter of objection was sent from the association on the behalf of the three calypsonians who expressed concern.

Gittens is encouraging Burke to come forward with the management of Cave Shepherd Allstars to the umbrella body so that an official complaint could be launched.

When asked why he did not go through the appropriate channels, Burke said he wanted to deal with the matter privately, but the NCF "forced" his hand by their inaction.

"It's the principle involved, forget that I'm an individual," Burke said.

Up to 5:30 p.m. yesterday, Burke said he had not received acknowledgment from the NCF in any form.

"It is now clear to me that they're taking this down to the wire, so that I am left with very few options on Wednesday [judging]," he stated.

Chief executive officer of the NCF, Dr Donna Hunte-Cox, said Burke's complaint, via a hand-delivered letter, was no less significant than any other.

"He [Burke] made several allegations, which we would obviously need time to investigate ourselves. We are investigating it, and we are pretty much sure that we are at a stage where we can make a statement, and we will be communicating with Mr Burke very, very soon," Hunte-Cox promised.