Where the money gone?

MEMBERS OF Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove have expressed disgust over the Tobago Champs In Concert, saying that bad budgeting and a personal vendetta against the band was the reason for the show’s imminent cancellation. Pan Trinbago declared on Monday that a lack of funds had put the Tobago Champs In Concert in jeopardy  and it was depending on government to source funds for the show. Culture Minister Joan Yuille-Williams was unavailable for  comment on the matter. Phase II arranger Len “Boogsie” Sharpe said the first prize of $400,000 in the National Panorama Finals was reduced to $360,000, as Pan Trinbago deducted ten percent from all prize monies given.

“They took $40,000 from us, as well as money from other bands. Where the money gone?” asked Boogsie. Boogsie said 90 percent of Phase II were youths who were looking forward to the show on Saturday. “A lot of my players are disappointed. It would have been the first visit to Tobago for some of them,” Boogsie said. Pan Players Association President Bevon “Bellies” Phillips was also surprised by Pan Trinbago’s lack of funds. “They know that Champs In Concert is right around the corner from Dimanche Gras. They should have planned ahead and budgeted properly for the event,” said Phillips.

Phillips could not believe that ticket sales were bad for the semi-finals since the North Stand was filled to capacity. “Tickets were selling from $150 and up. Pan Trinbago also produced CDs from semi-finals night. Where has that money gone?” said Phillips. According to a report from the Tourism and Industrial Development Company (TIDCO), Phillips said the steelpan generated US$72 million during Panorama season last year. “The increase in prize money would not have affected the concert if they budgeted properly,” said Phillips. No one was available for  comment at Pan Trinbago.