Compromise reached with calypsonians, 15 to compete in elimination round!
“We had a very good meeting with Hon. Myron Walwyn who actually listened to us and we came to a compromise to some of the most burning issues that were affecting us,” Luther B told this news agency on July 14, 2012.
Calypsonians, who did not make the cut for the final, will get $500. According to him, it will be a music production fee.
“It was one of the most contentious issues,” the reigning monarch admitted. For those who make it to the final, they will receive $700, instead of the recommended $1,000 by calypsonians.
Meanwhile, the calysonians successfully negotiated that the Monarch will be paid or performing at other events if the event reaps gated receipts or if other performers are getting paid. Initially, the Festival and Fairs Committee had wanted the Monarch to perform free at all events he or she appeared in.
“We decided that it will be negotiable between $600 and $800,” the reigning Monarch said.
Unfortunately, calysonians who performed on Virgin Gorda will not be able to use any of their material for this round, and according to Luther B “it was very disappointing”.
He vowed they will fight “for that next year”.
Hon. Walywn commended
Hon. Walwyn was commended for his impartiality in the negotiations, while the Festival and Fairs Committee was bashed for their high handedness.
Luther B pointed out that drastic measures had to be taken – the threat of a boycott – before the performers had to be taken seriously. “All we wanted was a compromise, and in the end the art form will be part of the August Festival.”
Twelve of 18 calypsonians had signed a petition, showing the committee the amount of performers that were standing for the change and made a decision not to perform in this year’s, or any other calypso competition, unless the changes have been implemented. The petition was circulated over a two-week duration and was handed to the calypso committee on July 4, 2012.
Calypso Association to be formed
Luther B revealed that an Association is in the works to protect the performers and reserve the art form.
“We are in the process of selecting our members and move to have a legislation drafted,” he further stated. Moreover, he is optimistic that it will be up and running soon.
Now that most of the issues have been ironed out, the elimination competition that was carded for July 13, 2012 has now been pushed back to July 28 and the final is scheduled for August 1, 2012, this news agency was told.
For the elimination round, 15 performers will be battling to get in the final to unseat Luther B.
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