Personal invitations have been sent to approximately fifteen (15) persons customarily involved in judging both Junior and Senior Calypso competitions over the years. In addition, all Calypsonians are also being encouraged to attend the workshop.
According to one of the workshop coordinators, Rolando Tobias, the main purpose of the workshop is to elevate the standard of judging calypso competitions on the island. "We wanted to have all judges and Calypsonians exposed to the same training, so that there is a better understanding of what is expected in judging Calypso"; Tobias stated. The judging workshop is being held one week prior to the 2009 Senior Calypso eliminations. The Senior Calypso eliminations are scheduled for Saturday March 28th at the Celebration Palace. Out of the pool of judges, members will be selected randomly to function as judges for the Junior and Senior Calypso competitions at future Carnivals.
Tobias informed that there is still space for about 5 persons who have had experience in judging in the past on St Maarten and who would really want to increase their knowledge. Interested persons may contact Rolando Tobias, Toontje Buncamper of Funk Gumbs. The Calyspo judging workshop will be held on both Saturday and Sunday at the John Larmonie Center from 11.00am to 6.00pm on both days.