Dear Editor

May I please speak on two issues today?

The first matter is the Zacari/De Bear salvo, which played out in Serpent’s Snakepit last week.

There was quite a heated exchange, and subsequently, I heard that it was supposed to be “friendly fire.”

Based on the accusations and choice of words I heard flying back and forth, I cannot accept that there isn’t calypso bad blood between these two.

Yet, in some quarters, it is touted that such sparring is good for the art form.

Zacari is irate that the reigning monarch is borrowing material from other calypsonians for use in his owns songs. De Bear has stepped on Zacari’s toes this year. The records will show that after doing what he is accused of doing, De Bear did go on to be crowned king.

In light of this, I am questioning whether this practice of upstaging a competitor, in this manner, is ethical?

I would suggest that in order to observe fair play, singers would allow Song A to be allowed to compete in a given year and in the ensuing year, the answer or challenge to that song (Song B) would be released and presented for competition.

Remember last year when Ivena sang about “Change.” De Bear’s response followed closely on her heels and on the big stage, he actually performed his rendition prior to her.

When it was Ivena’ turn to sing, her thunder was already stolen; De Bear was crowned. So will this be his modus operandi, and again, is this the stuff that good showmanship is made of?

My other angst is an issue on which I wrote recently. I spoke of a large white building, opposite Sadio Place, on the road that links All Saints to Buckleys.

The occupants allow their wastewaters to run onto the road (it does not even deserve to be called a road) and worsen the ditch that meanders across the road. I made a suggestion that the pipes be buried to solve the problem.

In response, there was a ridiculous attempt, using bush and dirt, to hide the white pipes leading out to the road, and a narrow makeshift ditch was dug, seemingly to redirect the flow of the water. Please!

I see the national flag being flown at the front of that building. Very good. Now can you display some more pride and do the right thing. Your slip is showing; it is time to properly bury your pipes and stop your waste running out into the road.