The Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) is slated to hold a press conference this morning (Thursday) reportedly after meeting with the government on Wednesday to discuss an increase in prize monies for Vincymas.
The various components of the festival last saw an increase in prize money 12 years ago.
On Tuesday, Ricardo Adams, chairman of the CDC, a statutory corporation, told the media in Kingstown that the CDC has submitted to the government a request for an increase in prize monies.
“Now, what a lot of people may not be aware of, as it stands, currently, prize monies for Vincymas exceed $600,000. They’re in the region of 660, depending on sometimes how many bands participate, etc., because they would all get appearance fees. So it’s in the region of about $660,000, roughly.”
Adams said the components of the festival have asked for a number of years for the prizes to be increased.
“… I think the last prize increase was 10 years ago, 12 years ago, or something like that — 2012. So roughly 12 years ago,” he said.
“Of course, over the last few years, there have been a number of circumstances that have not allowed for prize increases, just because of the economic climate that has existed.”
He said the CDC has gone back to the proposal this year.
“As it stands, I believe that we should be having a discussion with the government sometime within the next week or so, when we will be able to announce what level of prize increase. I know that inherently, the support is there for a prize increase.”
Adams, however, said that any prize increases have to be sustainable.
“… you don’t do a prize increase for this year, and then roll it back next year. So it has to be in the context of what will be a long-term commitment to prize monies for Vincymas. As I said, hopefully by next week, we should be in a lot better position to say what that is.
“But we’re in active discussions right now with the government on that matter. I hope that answers your question. I would have loved to have been able to give better news, like maybe the next press briefing, we would be able to,” he said.
Last month, the Calypsonians Association echoed its call for a prize increase, with its spokesperson, Robert “Patches” King saying “things really ain’t right as far as I’m concerned as a calypsonian for many, many years and a musician too.
“So I hope that the CDC will up its game because this isn’t a joke for people like me,” King said.
He said he understood clearly what was happening in neighbouring countries, adding that in SVG, “prize money and thing has been a vexing issue with us for years”.
King said that his tent, On Tour, had recently discussed on radio the differences in prizes offered by other countries.
He said that in SVG a calypsonian spends more than EC$1,000 to produce a song, including studio time and musical scores.
“And I ain’t sugarcoating nothing. I’m talking here for calypsonians,” King said.
“We know the power that we exert in terms of bringing people to the shores of St. Vincent and the Grenadines during this premiere festival, we call carnival. Thousands of people come here and spend money in all different and diverse ways: transportation, hotel accommodation, airport taxes, food, beverages, etc. We know, many of us know and we believe that it’s long overdue for us to get a raise,” King said.
Speaking at the same press conference, Earl “Cabba” Bennett, president of the Calypsonians Association, said that he had spoken about calypsonians expecting a prize increase and the reasons.
“Those are additional reasons,” he said of King’s comment. “We’ve said a raise is due, told you all about labour of love. So, hear you heard Patches in a passionate way. So, again, that’s has added to the submission that I’ve made earlier,” Bennett said.
Once again, I am expressing my belief that Carnival in SVG is too political and everything is in the hands of the government. Hence nothing pans out!
I found out how anyone can determine how much money CVG Carnival brings into the economy. Here is How I found out:
As a representative of Caribana I attended a city hall meeting and was told that data is collected on the economy 2 or 3 weeks before and after the event. Any rise in the ecomony between that period shows an increase in the economy. So, if the period before the event shows figures of $250,000 and the period after show $220,000. Then do the Math: If the Carnival period shows an increase of $400,000. Then a total increase between the periods shows how much money the Carnival generated for the economy.
So, $250k + $220k = $470k/2 = $235k. Then $400k – $235k = $165k shows how much money the Carnival generated. These are my figures, but the real numbers can be much higher.
All businesses in SVG do well during the Carnival period and should contribute to the event. The hotels can and should help by promoting the event overseas with special offers to encourage returnees to book early for a reduction on the fees. All rooms can be booked by April if the advertisement was done by December of January.
Then here is an idea for the calypso group: You can work with overseas promoters to stage a Vince Show with several artists with power songs. These events can take place between July and September. Once again, many businesses in SVG can donate funds to cover some expenses and promote their services and products so visitors are aware of what to expect once they arrive. The event can draw more than 6,000 congregations at a cost of $120 per person. This can generate funds close to $720,000. Once again these are my figures.
The calypso group should have calypso tent at various locations before the parade. They can work with some businesses in these areas where the businesses will make money if they get involved in selling their services or products.
I hope people will stop complaining and do something. Don’t depend on the government to do anything. Most governments have failed their people because they believe they know what’s wrong and have the answers. They never do! Poverty, crime and sickness are worldwide. Meanwhile money is spent flying folks to the Moon with very little to show for their effort.