by PHILIPPE AIMEY

CHIEF JUDGE in this year's Pic-O-De-Crop competition, Jeff Shepherd, says there will be no bias against certain calypsonians despite his public criticisms of them last year.

At the end of the 2007 Crop-Over season, Shepherd, who was also a judge in that competition, wrote a letter to the DAILY NATION rapping Christian calypsonians Ronnie De Announcer Clarke and Sheldon Hope in particular, for lack of spiritual content. At the same time, he praised The Experience's Enobong for her songs.

"When I wrote that article last year, I was writing as a lover of calypso and, more importantly, a Christian," he responded on Wednesday when asked whether he saw this as a conflict of interest.

"Any comment I make outside of the season has no bearing on my ability to judge a competition and judge it fairly. I would not allow my personal comments to flaw my integrity as a judge."

With reference to lyrical content from the Christian calypsonians, Shepherd said he thought strong spiritual content could stand against any other.

"It is the calypsonians' choice, but there is room in calypso for gospel and true gospel. We judge strictly based on the criteria set out by the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) and it will not make a big difference. My strong belief has always been, if you are a Christian, bear witness and bring the Word to the people."

Acting corporate communications officer at the NCF, Wayne Simmons, said: "Calypsonians can be assured that all judging criteria are strict and precise and any personal views will not impinge on the competition in any way," he responded.

Yesterday afternoon on Voice Of Barbados radio station, Clarke read Shepherd's letter and commented: "Making a comment like that and then being chief judge is a very challenging situation for Mr Shepherd to be in. Go ahead and judge, but be cognisant of the fact that statements like that may be misinterpreted by some as having a stronger leaning towards gospel in the context of the Pic-O-De-Crop competition."

Judging began Wednesday night with the House Of Soca facing the Party Monarch judges. TriMart Hit Parade faced the Pic-O-De-Crop and Party Monarch judges last night.

Please see also Page 23.