NASSAU, The Bahamas, 4 November, 2015…..The Ministry of Tourism of The Bahamas and Caribbean Music Festival (2000) Ltd. (“CMF) deeply regret the action that CMF was forced to take in postponing the Caribbean Muzik Festival’s final two nights. Serious difficulties were experienced that made it unwise to attempt to continue at that time. They were as follows:
CMF had contracted with suppliers in Florida for sound, light and stage equipment and was blindsided by a late-in-the-day cancellation of the undertaking to provide this crucial equipment. While, with quick effort on its part, CMF was able to locate and secure replacement equipment, there was insufficient time to get it to Nassau and have it installed while allowing time for sound checks and rehearsals with a large talent bill.
The Ministry of Tourism welcomed back the Caribbean Muzik Festival to The Bahamas, based on a track record of delivering an event of the highest professional standard showcasing the regional recording musical artists, that could be subsequently delivered to a global television audience. A stellar list of the region’s most successful contemporary performers had been secured and insufficient preparation time was likely to jeopardise their performances as much as the event itself.
This decision is appreciated by any professional artist and, while there was some understandable amount of initial annoyance, there has been understanding by the artists. To date, we have received generous support from the artists, once the reason for their inconvenience became clear.
Mr. Mike Tominson Chairman of the Caribbean Muzik Festival, said, “I was most buoyed and encouraged by the magnanimous spirit displayed by the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Obie Wilchcombe and his team”. Equally blindsided as the Ministry was by the turn of events, Minister Wilchcombe hardly broke stride, insisting immediately that the show will go on, saying, “We are determined that it will”.
An early date in December is under discussion and a specific date will be announced, once arrangements with suppliers, vendors and artists have been concluded and coordinated.
Finally, the Ministry of Tourism and CMF wish to express our sincere appreciation to and admiration for the spirit in which the Bahamian people have taken these developments. While disappointment was fully expected, we have been moved to admiration by the calm and disciplined patience displayed while allowing the event to regain momentum. We assure the them that they will receive an event of the standard they demand and of which they will be proud.
