Original Image via www.liveandenjoylife.com
They're fussing over something that should be easy to fix but can't seem to get it right! This Road March competition has turned into just a Stage March competition! Who said that? I remember posting an article about Machel winning the Stage March and not the Road March. He was upset and reposted a copy of the post with a red line through the article! Following the 2025 Road March and the dismissal of two tabulators for discussing the race, Fayann and Bunji have decided to withdraw from this competition. This decision is regrettable, and TUCO bears the responsibility for it.
"The judging criteria for the Road March competition in Trinidad and Tobago are based on statistics. The Carnival Road March is the musical composition/song played most often at the "problematic judging points" along the parade routes for Carnival. The most recent Road March winner is Machel Montano, who secured his 11th title with his song "Pardy." Machel has been the subject of numerous memes for his drive to enter and win competitions—he is the subject of controversy, and the Road March is no exception.
How did TUCO respond to social media rants about the recent Tabulator faux pas? The revelation of tabulators talking about the race before the conclusion. TUCO responded with, “The integrity of the Road March competition is sacrosanct to TUCO,” the statement read. “The public and competitors can rest assured that the final results will be based entirely on official counts, not on opinions.” Well, that may be the wish but just not reality.
According to TUCO, the competition is based on statistics (the number of plays on the road), and the tabulator's job is just to record plays. That's all well and good, TUCO, but here's the issue: How many checkpoints are there throughout the country (Trinidad and Tobago)? Please let us know the breakdown per county and the disproportionate checkpoints for Port of Spain compared to the rest of the twin island republic. The 'tabulators' should not be known because that would compromise fairness, especially for the competitors!
Two tabulators faced dismissal for discussing the race on social media. Although their swift action was commendable, It is Sokah2Soca's opinion that it (the tabulators comments) didn't have any impact on the road plays. The Road March is not a "judging competition"; it was and remains a record of plays, a statistical record! Fayann said, "I’ve been around this competition for years." Never have I heard or seen judges discussing results prematurely." They said Machel's "Pardy" was in the lead, something they should not have done, but that simply would not have influenced DJs and band leaders to change their song in support of Pardy that was in the lead. When I think about it, "Carry It" was just as deserving to win this competition, and their remarks should have helped Garlin's chances to get a few extra plays... See, I'm not afraid to voice my opinion.
For next year's competition, TUCO should inform us about the number of tabulators and their distribution across the country. At no time should the tabulators names be revealed, their actual location in the areas they are sent, and they should not be in any uniform. Record the plays and send in the information for the official count by TUCO, and the winner will be revealed! Simple enough, so cut out the Stage March and do a true Road March competition and set the standard of fairness that would encourage people like Fayanne and Bunji to participate in future competitions.
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Production Notes/Music Credits:
Topic: Road March Woes
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
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