CATEGORY:CONTROVERSY
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By Team Grenada
Monday December 11,2006


ST. ANDREW’S, Grenada – A very well-publicized show-down between some top Trinidadian and Grenadian soca artistes at Moonlight City on Saturday December 8, 2006, did not live up to the expectations of patrons and many of them are now livid with anger and are in search of answers.

The show-down between top soca artistes from both countries was organized by William Munroe’s Prestigious Promotions. The advertisement for the show, which was run on national television for quite some time, promised appearances from prominent Trinidadian soca artistes like Sherwin Winchester, Destra, Denise Belfon (Sassy-War), and Maximus Dan. One of the main attractions, according to one of the advertisements, was a clash between Grenada’s ‘Baby Killer’ and ‘Sassy-War’ from Trinidad. Many Grenadians were understandably hyped-up for the show and they turned out at Moonlight City in their numbers, paying $40 and $50, to witness the ‘clash of the Titans.’

It is believed that the show started off around 12 midnight and to the disappointment and chagrin of patrons, only two foreign artists performed. Noticeably absent from the line-up were Denise Belfon, Sherwin Winchester, Maximus Dan and Destra – some of the big names that were advertised, however, a number of local artists performed for the gathering. According to unconfirmed reports, two of the foreign artistes showed up at the scene and then left - without performing – for unknown reasons. It is also alleged that even up to 2 o’clock, patrons were still being charged $50 to enter the show.

Many of the persons who attended the event are complaining that they did not get what they paid for and think there should be some sort of apology from the show organizers. Some are even suggesting that a free show be held with the foreign artistes that were expected to perform since it would be virtually impossible for organizers to give partial refunds (it is alleged that no ticket stubs were given to patrons upon entry).

Some time ago, the local calypso king (Scholar) was advertised to make an appearance in a show involving Grenadian and Trinidadian artistes. This show was put on by another organization. Scholar, however, did not appear at the show because of some unresolved issues with the show organizers. In fact, Scholar alleges that he had to pay to get to see the performances of the other artistes.

Again, a local parang show carded to take place in the village of Hermitage had to be postponed, even though it was advertised well in advance. These events, when viewed collectively, seem to indicate that organizers need to properly ‘fine tune’ their preparations and make sure that the public is not short-changed in any way and that John and Jane Public actually get what they pay their hard-earned money for. Mechanisms need to be put in place also, so that in case something beyond the control of the organizers occurs and the show can not go on or the line-up of the cast is affected, then the concerns and interests of the patrons would not be disregarded, but will be addressed in an efficient, competent and courteous manner.

Business companies that act as co-sponsors for these shows should also ensure that the organizers stick to the arrangements made – barring some act of God. One of the major reasons for sponsorship is to gain some mileage from well-organized shows. When things do not work out as planned, and the public becomes enraged, then the companies that act as sponsors for these functions do not get value for their sponsorship dollars.

Some local residents have been saying that the Ministry of Labour too, needs to step up on their vigilance and scrutiny to ensure that whatever monies have to be collected from foreign-based promoters are collected in exact amounts. Whatever system is in place should be structured so as to detect with certainty the amount of money made by these promoters with a view to collecting taxes in precise amounts. (It is not too clear exactly what mechanism the government has in place to determine the amount of money made from shows and the method used to calculate the revenue to be collected therefrom).