The Barbados Association of Masqueraders (BAM) has chastised corporate Barbados for failing to provide sufficient sponsorship support to Kadooment bands facing rising material and labour costs.
“Before it was a little, but now it is none,” BAM President Jason Thompson told Barbados TODAY.
“I have several bandleaders who are complaining that they have submitted several proposals to the private sector and they have received no response at all. Not even to say ‘We can’t this year’ or ‘We can only do a little’; it’s just a blatant ignore.”
Thompson lamented the decline of corporate sponsorships that were previously common for Kadooment bands.
“Gone are the days when bands were heavily supported and sponsored by the private sector,” he stated. “Sponsorship has become little to none, and in many cases, companies are asking band leaders to be sponsored on a commission basis like a sales rep. These same companies are the ones who are meeting their annual targets as a result of the same festival.”
He accused businesses of disrespecting bands and promoters by ignoring requests for sponsorship.
Thompson argued that the “disrespect towards bands and promoters must stop”: “Many of these companies do not even respond to emails, messages, or calls relating to sponsorship. Some bandleaders and promoters are just left on pause, as these companies assume one must still purchase their product regardless.”
While acknowledging top bands may still receive corporate backing, the BAM head said most bands struggle without assistance.
He said this leads to higher costume and event prices as all the costs must then be passed on to the masquerader or partygoer.
Thompson warned that bands may begin sourcing materials overseas if local business support does not improve.
“This lacklustre, self-engulfed attitude that is currently being transcended among local businesses needs to stop if we wish to return to the ‘sweetest summer festival’ where locals can feel a part of it and be able to afford it. When the time comes that bandleaders and promoters start sourcing most of their amenities from overseas, it’s then that local businesses will wake up and realise that they have a part to play in the success of the executions,” he said.
