Premier Wheatley was hesitant to sponsor Vybz Kartel show because of 'backlash'- Parillon
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Speaking with Cathy O. Richards, of JTV Channel 55, in a live special interview on Thursday, October 10, 2024, Parillon said YOLO Promotions has been at its busiest this year.
2024 began with unsponsored shows
He said the 2023 BOB event “sold out the BVI, every hotel was sold out in the BVI” but that they received “zero” sponsorship to stage it.
“That didn’t make the news, there were only comments from the Premier talking about BOB and how it went,” Parillon stated.
Other shows put on by YOLO Promotions during the year included Reggae on the Beach featuring Ky-Mani Marley on Jost van Dyke, White on White which also included a lineup of international artists, then Summer Splash during the Emancipation Festival.
“We have been very busy this year,” the promoter stated.
Conversation with Premier
Parillon also revealed during Thursday’s interview that he had a conversation with Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D Wheatley (R7) about entertainment in the Virgin Islands where they discussed the summer event and another YOLO Promotions event, the Fish Fest.
“You know agriculture falls under his portfolio as well so we were talking about the Fish Fete and he was saying that he liked that event that I did…it is something that he likes because it brings culture and entertainment together,” he said of the conversation.
It was during this conversation that Parillon said he mentioned to Premier Wheatley that Jamaican Dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel was taking bookings.
According to Parillon, Premier Wheatly said Vybz Kartel performing in the VI would be a “good thing” for the country.
“So, I said you know that’s going to be an uphill climb to get that done, and he made me know there’s funds available for music fest events,” Parillon said.
Parillon also said the Premier “doubted” that he could secure the Vybz Kartel contract, but he “did his thing”.
Vybz Kartel contract signed over the summer without deposit
Parillon also revealed that he secured the Vybz Kartel contract back in August.
“Normally after you sign the contract you have to be ready for that deposit, that’s how this business go,” he said continuing that through his regular business dealings in Jamaica, he was “given” the opportunity to sign without a deposit right away.
Parillon said the sponsorship from the Office of the Premier did not come overnight stating “everybody wrong” for thinking it was easy.
“Every day, I on the Premier phone, and then there was that Vote of No Confidence, that was like a slap right there again, that put me way back again,” he said adding that he and his team began on an alternative route to ensuring the show would happen.
Premier Wheatley, he said, was hesitant to sponsor the show because he knew he would receive backlash.
“He was always conscious of that,” Parillon stated.
Parillon also cleared the air about the actual amount received from the Office of the Premier for the March 2025 show.
“A lot of things have been said that is not factual…the figure we received was two hundred and twenty thousand dollars, so it wasn’t two hundred and fifty thousand,” he stated.
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52 Responses to “Premier Wheatley was hesitant to sponsor Vybz Kartel show because of 'backlash'- Parillon ”
Mr Premier
I have something I want to declare
About a situation
I think need immediate attention
Health care good ? No
Infrastructure good ? No
You looking for scorn , plenty plenty scorn
You looking for scorn , the people will scorn you
Why you want to throw party ? Govt got no Money
Roads them need repair , you act like you don’t care
You think its like so it does work
The people vex I wish you good luck
You looking for scorn ,plenty plenty scorn
You looking for scorn , the people will scorn you
Deputy tell you .. this ain’t no good plan
Rhymer say.. think about the common man
But you sign on the line for the dancehall star
Forget the budget you raising the bar
Education good ? no
Electricity good ? no
East to west road full of pot hole
But you only think Yolo
You looking for scorn plenty plenty scorn ,
You looking for scorn , the people will scorn you
Why you want big party? Gov got no money
You have nothing to gain
See how your public complain
You looking for scorn , plenty plenty scorn
You looking for scorn the people will scorn you.
The people upset say you causing dismay
Throwing big party while the Island decay
You looking for scorn , plenty plenty scorn
You looking for scorn the people will scorn you.
Glad you clarified that (I said sarcastically).
You dumb sq*** the man said WILL BE and will do statistics after to prove it.
"He said the 2023 BOB event “sold out the BVI, every hotel was sold out in the BVI”..."
But no problem to pay for a concert from a convicted criminal..
Don't quote me but I read the Premier made it known there is/was funding available for Entertainment Tourism. Steve as a young Virgin Islander is obviously trying and we should give him some support because he actually does have creditability and has pulled off major successful events like this. As a Virgin Islander I applaud the Premier for giving the young group an up because sometimes we all just need a little help to achieve Big things. If the budget is there to help why not help the youths. That's the thing with us blacks we jump on the band wagon when it's too late.
With that said, the Premier now needs to get the Tourist Board fired up to make this as successful as it could be. For those saying bad timing it's the best timing the artist is hott and has a huge following and perhaps who don't know can't go into the US so we if we do this correct can get travelers as far as NYC, ATL, FL coming to our event. Plan and prepare and partner. WE NEED TO UNITE.
Get the ferries, hotels, bnb's on deck. Offer specials, co-ordinate with USVI on accommodation if we are anticipating a SELL OFF. Get clearance for late ferries, in the past we had a 9pm ferry from RED HOOK get that in que. With preparation I see this really being something big but we got to unite and see the bigger picture. Where is the so called BVILOVE. We are the only Caribbean island that is only Patriotic when we are Winning....so sad.
Parillon and the crew much respect for being resilient and I am rooting for a successful event cause once you win we as a Country win.....Big Up.
YOLO Productions should be pursuing private channels. If the Premier feels so strongly about the merits of this event, he could surely leverage his position and influence to bring together private investors, individuals who are inclined toward such ventures and are willing to risk their own capital.They are many in the BVIpehaps the same Hotels and Ferry Companies that stand to benefit.
Let us also not forget that many in the public—Christians, older citizens, and those who, for a host of reasons, do not align with this sort of endeavor—are not simply passive observers in this matter. They are taxpayers. It is their money we are speaking of, and they have every right, not only to dissent but to declare with unambiguous clarity, “Not my dollar.” We ought to respect their prerogative, for it is their hard-earned contributions that fund the very mechanisms of government, and they have as much a right to shape its course .
Come on people! This is good for our tourism! the fact that little BVI was able to secure him in 3rd place before all the other Caribbean countries or Europe is a big move! We're getting exposure, Influx of visitors, Money into the territory, small businesses such as (Charters boats, Barbers, Salons, restaurants, Bars, Clothing stores, shoe stores, Taxi drivers, hotels, resorts, Airbnb, Excursion companies, rentals, gas station, Airlines, souvenir shops and much more look at those positives!
If these people are really Christians, they should not judge you all act like you aren't sinners and don't have a past.
Allow the youths to try, they are trying and that's what matters.
In any case, when you’re hiring teachers right out of High School, and funding music concerts that celebrate questionable lifestyles, what is that saying about your priorities? To me, it indicates that you DO NOT prioritize the education of your Youth!
And then there is Healthcare, Roads, Water, Power, Sewage…so many unfixed problems
This is the motto of the most successful people.