The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) acknowledges receipt of correspondence dated July 11, 2025, expressing concerns related to the quarterfinal results of the 2025 Party Monarch Competition, specifically regarding the placement of competitor Ms. Ebony Thomas, known professionally as “Ebony T.”
Following a thorough review, the Commission confirms that the competition was conducted in full alignment with the established rules and procedures outlined for the Party Monarch Competition.
The following clarifications are provided:
1. Judging Panel Compliance
Contrary to claims that five judges were utilized in violation of Rule 15.1, the official records confirm that a panel of three judges adjudicated all performances.
These same three judges evaluated every contestant, ensuring consistency and fairness. Score sheets from the judges are available to validate this process.
2. Ranking and Tie-Break Procedure
The primary rankings were determined by the sum of each competitor’s individual rankings from the three judges. Both Ms. Thomas and another contestant, Dior, received a total rank score of 48.
As per standard tie-breaking procedure, the competitor with the majority of lower (better) individual rankings is awarded the higher placement.
Judge 1: Dior (20) vs. Ebony T (21) – Dior placed higher
Judge 2: Dior (5) vs. Ebony T (17) – Dior placed higher
Judge 3: Ebony T (10) vs. Dior (23) – Ebony T placed higher
With two of the three judges awarding lower scores to Dior, Dior was rightfully awarded 15th place, and Ms. Thomas placed 16th.
3. Context for Run-Off Event
In addition to the explanation of the judging process, it is important to clarify that the situation involving two competitors who performed early due to prior international performance commitments was reviewed in consultation with the relevant stakeholders.
A resolution was proposed by the National Soca Fraternity to address the matter fairly and transparently. The Fraternity recommended a run-off event featuring the two early performers along with the next five placing artistes (positions 16–20) in each segment. The ABFC accepted and supported this proposal in full.
As Ms. Thomas officially placed 16th, she was eligible under this arrangement and was formally invited to participate in the run-off. However, Ms. Thomas chose not to attend or participate in the event.
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission reiterates its commitment to fairness, consistency, and transparency in the execution of all events under its purview. We remain grateful to the public and participating artists for their continued passion and engagement, and we look forward to the remainder of an exciting and culturally rich Carnival season full of VIBZ.
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