President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Calypsonians Association, Earl “Cabba” Bennett, says calypsonians remain the only major Vincymas stakeholders not guaranteed payment, even as other players in the festival receive assured fees.
Speaking at the association’s press conference for Vincymas 2026, Bennett described the art form as largely unpaid work driven by passion.
“For the most part, calypso is a labour of love,” he said. “You are like Billy Button … you work for nothing.”
He contrasted calypsonians’ position with that of bands, venues and other service providers.
“If a calypsonian, if he or she does not make semi-finals, for the most part they get nothing at all,” Bennett said.
“While the bands are paid, the venue… [is] paid, every other stakeholder, they are paid, they are guaranteed payment, except for the calypsonians.”
He added that only a few benefit significantly. “They’re not guaranteed, but some do have a windfall, so if you go on and win the Monarch, and so on, of course,” he said.
Despite this, Bennett said performers continue to invest in the art form out of commitment to country and culture.
“Because if you don’t have a cultural foundation as an island, as a nation, you could be lost.”
Benett urged the public to recognise calypsonians’ contribution.
“So understand the importance of calypsonians in the fabric of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, not underestimating their importance,” Bennett said.
Bennett linked the earnings issue to a broader call for sponsorship and support across the festival.
“Please, when CDC (Carnival Development Corporation) comes calling, when the tents come calling, when mas come calling, when pan come calling, and yes, when calypso come calling, be prepared to help because you are helping the national festival,” he said.
“It brings in millions, millions of dollars in our economy… and we must recognise that the carnival plays an important role, an integral role, in buoying the economy.”