Carnival bands governing body calls for sponsorship of bands

Carnival Bands Incoprotated (CBI), the governing body for carnival costume bands in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is appealing to local businesses who are capable of sponsoring a mas band to do so.

The CBI is also calling on the government to finalize an agreement which will see them have an official home.

Speaking to SEARCHLIGHT on Thursday, June 19, 2025, Chairman of the CBI, Garth Niles – who took over from Hugh Ragguette on October,22, 2024- said 14 bands will be taking part in VincyMas 2025 but the struggle is the same this year as it has been for the last several years.

“To be honest, we are facing the regular struggles, lack of sponsorship, lack of places to build costumes.

“The lack of places to build mas is the main problem over the years and this is not being addressed as was promised,” Niles noted.

He said a few years ago they were given a piece of land located next to the quarry in Roseau but the property was too close to the quarry and it was felt the location was unsafe.

The Abandoned Home for Mas tents at Walvaroo, Sion Hill

“The stones fell and we decided that was very dangerous and they (government) promised another place in Arnos Vale close to where vehicles are inspected but we had to finalize and I am hoping that it is done soon, Niles added.

“We will do with that piece of land because we know that Kingstown does not have space to hold all mas bands,” Niles said.

He noted as well that usually mas bands would look for empty abandoned buildings in Kingstown and ask to use or rent the space but there are fewer of these types of buildings

Three bands are using space at the Eustace Auto Supplies premises in Rose Place, while one is building their costumes in the old Ju-C building in Kingstown, and Niles said while they are grateful, soon after the season ends, they have to pack up and leave.

The old Ju-C building in Kingstown

“We need a home because we have to clear out by the weekend after Carnival. A home is most important. You can’t store anything for tourist season… if we had a home, we could sell head pieces during tourist season but as it is now, we have to throw away items because we have no storage,” Niles explained.

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