BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – LATELY, there has been much talk in the Federation about Road March and how it is being judged. Therefore, to sensitise fans of the various competing bands and other interested persons, SKNVibes PEP decided to find out what are the judging criteria.
According to the criteria, contenders have to submit in writing to the National Carnival Secretariat the name of the tune(s) to be considered for Road March no later than mid-day Thursday, December 23, 2010.
The judging of the Road March title will be done on J’Ouvert morning between 5:00 and 10.00 and again on January 1, 2011 at the Grand Carnival Street Parade between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
There are four judging points for Road March - the old Treasury Building on the Bay Road, Subway on Cayon Street, National Bank at West Independence Square Street and Development Bank on Church Street.
The starting point for J’Ouvert is at the old Treasury Building. All bands, Hi-Fi systems, Road March contenders, steel bands, individuals, J’Ouvert Troupes, etc. can leave from any location but must make their way to the old Treasury Building.
On J’Ouvert morning, each registered song would be judged no more than twice at each judging station for each band.
There are two routes for J’Ouvert. Route one, from the old Treasury Building, participants must take a right or left up Fort Street via the Circus then right onto Cayon Street, right onto West Independence Square Street, right onto the Bay Road and a right up Fort Street. Route two, from the same starting point, must make a right or left up Fort Street via the Circus, left onto Cayon Street, left down Church Street into Lower College Street, left on the Bay Road and left up Fort Street.
The annual J’Ouvert morning celebration will take place through the streets of Basseterre tomorrow December 27, 2010 with various bands, Hi-Fi systems and eight troupes.
The first person to win the Road March title was Sundar Popo in 1971 and the Grand Masters Band now holds the title for the past three years.
