'Starving' artistes tell Government: Yes to Carnival, but talk '$$ and sense' too

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Manager of NLCB Fonclaire Darren Sheppard said while as a musician he needed the money, he would have preferred the events to be held later in the year, when Government had a better handle on covid19.


“Yes, we want to be involved in the Carnival space and want to boost activity in the steelpan community, but if the ultimate goal is for an uptick in vaccination, then we don’t have enough time for that to be a reality.

“We are preparing, but still waiting on the terms of condition of involvement. One of the key things for us is that as a South/Central band we have transportation expenses, when the bands in the north usually have none or much less.

“All the discussions about a flat fee and the bands participating – we are agitating for consideration that our transportation is not included.”

He said it is his understanding that all the medium and large bands, like Fonclaire, will perform at a concert-like show at the QPS, while single pans and small bands will be hosted at Naparima Bowl.

He said there is an expectation that the financial arrangements and numbers will be determined by the end of this week.

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