The Ministry of Culture’s national talent search is no stranger to controversy. From its early advent, the programme has been lambasted with criticisms much of which was aimed at the judges selected for the show. However, this week more troubles rock the competition when the ministry announced via its social media page that the second of the two-semi-final leg would be postponed due to a coronavirus scare.

At the airing of the first semi-final, some socialites and influencers took to social media with usual qualms about the show. They had a serious concern about the covid protocols being observed. Previously featured Guyanese writer and Film producer Laured Stewart who has become somewhat of an unofficial authority, as regards to the competition, was vocal about the hosts not wearing masks nor practicing social distancing when interviewing contestants; it goes without saying he had his “I told you so” moment with the announcement.

However, there have been no reports to indicate that the coronavirus exposure was a result of laxity on the behalf of the organizers. In fact, according to the statement published on the Ministry’s page, the programme operates under the strictest of Covid19 protocols, and it’s only out of an abundance of precautions that the ministry decided to postpone the event.

In addition to the covid scare, the Competition is also trending as contestant Sherman Hawker took to social media with a bizarre tale of being named as a semi-finalist only to receive a subsequent call stating that he would not be advancing. Based on the story related by the young man, no explanation was offered for this decision leaving him perplexed and looking for answers. The story has caught the attention of many who are now calling for more above-the-board procedures going forward.

The National talent search competition has overcome many adversaries so far and the show must go on. We all hope that the organizers get a handle on these situations and the competition is concluded in a spectacular manner.  The Hub takes this time to thank you our dedicated readers and urge you to stay tuned as we bring you more from this eventful competition.