Uncertainty in Carifesta schedule

Festival Director Joy Caesar yesterday admitted they are not ready with anything right now but promised that by September 21 — the day before the opening — they will have everything in place.

She said 22 Caribbean countries have confirmed their participation but have not sent all the necessary performance details. Neither have contracts with a number of local artistes been finalised.

A note out of the Carifesta office indicated that from July 15 to August 1, there would be radio ads and on July 30 the artistes who will perform at the four super concerts will be confirmed.

While all major Caribbean artistes have been confirmed to perform in these concerts, contracts are still being negotiated for other local artistes and there is no such concert where pan is concerned.

PanTrinbago president Patrick Arnold said he originally spoke to artistic director Dr Earl Lovelace regarding pan’s involvement in the festival. He then spoke to former Carifesta chairman Kenny de Silva.

“When de Silva took over as chairman I thought we were going down a better road. Now I am at a loss again. There is no word on finances and I can’t have players practising and rehearsing if there is no funding,” Arnold said.

“Every time there is something our players have to participate in, there is a cost that we don’t make back. Pans have to be tuned, players have to get uniforms, bands have to be transported and when we have to go through this, we usually get set up. Even the World Music Festival winners are still awaiting their prizes,” he added.

It was Pan Trinbago’s intention to incorporate the Republic Pan Fiesta competition that usually takes place around the time when Carifesta will be held, but Arnold said they can’t do anything until they get word on financing.

De Silva who is the National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman resigned from the Carifesta chairmanship following several unresolved issues between himself and Culture Minister Joan Yuille-Williams.

When Newsday communicated Pan Trinbago’s position to Caesar yesterday, she said that a meeting was carded for today with the pan organisation. However, Arnold said he knew nothing about this meeting.

Pat Bishop, Musical Director of the Lydian Singers said her choir has not yet been notified on whether or not they will be performing at Carifesta. “All artistes have been asking what is going on but there is no word coming out of the Carifesta office,” Bishop said.

Pannist Len ‘Boogsie’ Sharpe yesterday said he too was not approached to perform but added that he could do with some work.

Performer Neil ‘Iwer’ George is the only person Newsday contacted yesterday who got a call from the Culture Ministry to perform. He will be performing at the super Soca Concert.

Promoter George Singh stated that the other three super concerts are geared towards gospel, chutney and comedy, with all being held at the National Stadium, except the chutney concert which will be held at Skinner Park in San Fernando.

Meanwhile all other performances to be held at the Grand Market which will be situated at the Stadium and Jean Pierre Complex remain in question. Norvan Fullerton, who is in charge of programming at these venues explained, “Once I get all the ‘info’ from the participating countries, which I expect hopefully by the end of this month, I will be ready.”

Another bone of contention in some quarters is the fact that some activities will be held outdoors and given the recent fickle weather, Caesar said tents will be erected to shield the performers but no mention was made as to the spectators.

Events are also expected to be held at the Carifesta Village in St Ann’s, Queen’s Hall and community centres across the country.

Some 1,000 performers from across the Caribbean are expected to participate in the event. They will be housed at youth centres in El Dorado, Chaguaramas, the TT Women’s Federation and other accommodations. The festival has a US$3 million price tag, but so far a mere eight corporate sponsors have come forward to lend support.