Bandleaders’ cash registers ring up

With a little over two weeks until Carnival, bands are reporting an upsurge in sales since the end of last month because people now have cash in hand. However, there is that element of fear.  One bandleader expressed concern that the shooting death of 18-year-old Derek Cato on January 25 at the Outrageous in Red fete might put a damper on the two-day event. Others say that it will have no effect whatsoever. Even so, Barbarossa bandleader Richard Afong has seen an increase in foreign participants, especially from North America since the Code Orange alert was  lifted. Afong expected sales for this year’s presentation “Mythtropolis” to be “back to normal” over the next two weeks. Despite the crime situation, he said the public had confidence in security arrangements. Afong said when the Minister of National Security and Commissioner of Police announce security measures for Carnival and the Parade of Bands this will give masqueraders and spectators a sense of confidence.

Afong could not comment on the profits made by bands. He said it is difficult to say what bands break-even, are successful or end up owing. David Cameron from Trini Revellers said bookings are better this year than last year, and many people were visiting the mas camp trying to make up their mind. The medium-sized band has 14 sections this year for its presentation “Arabian Night.” It is expecting 1,000 people but is willing to take more. Another bandleader notes that with the increase in salaries of public servants, people are donning custumes for the first time. Cameron does not see crime impacting on Carnival. He said security was “well handled” last year and he expects the same standard this year. While net sales are good, Cameron said, “The only problem” is that Trinidad does not advertise Carnival “from early.” With 36 sections and several of them all inclusive, Poison’s “Retromania” may be the largest band on the road. Meg Cheeks, said sales are now “waxing warm” and the band is “halfway there” to being sold out.

She said there is normally a last minute surge in sales. Cheeks said this year many young people are playing. Cheeks said, “full security” will be in place to protect the band’s masqueraders. Ian McKenzie of Legends reported that three of 14 sections in “Freedom” are sold out. While sales have been slow in the beginning it has “picked up.” McKenzie said the band is keeping watch to see what happens this week and next week. “People are now getting paid, and with the crime situation people are looking at what is going on.” McKenzie said the shooting at the ‘Outrageous in Red’ fete at Pier 1 can have an effect. Harts Ltd said the majority of their 21 sections in “Wild Thing” have been sold out with only a few open to accommodate “regulars.” Thais Hart said sales were slow but has picked up last month (January). She reported that compared with last year sales were “a bit slow.” Hart believes crime will impact on Carnival but commended the work done by police last year for ensuring the safety of masqueraders and hoped it will continue this year. The band has no all inclusive sections but offers special wrist band for masqueraders interested in purchasing drinks while the band is on the move.