Obsession was disappointing

03.JULY.09

Editor: The Carnival Development Committee and the promoters of the farce that took place on Monday, June 29th, under the disguise of Obsession: Mas on the Move owe Vincentians an apology at the least. The right thing to do will be to refund patrons who were affected by this, but that will be expecting a miracle.{{more}} After all, what besides greed could compel the organisers to promote a non-show and not be upfront with patrons during the course of the evening, when they must have known none of the featured artistes were going to be there?

I would not believe that the CDC was party to this, but at the least they must take some of the blame. They are charged with the responsibility of organising what is dubbed as our Premier Festival. Therefore, whether or not they are directly involved in the production of a show, certain minimum expectations should be established and organisers held to them. Some basic level of professionalism and respect must be demanded for the fans.

CDC promised patrons that this year all Carnival shows will start on time. The show had a published start time of 8.00pm but never got started until close to 10.30. The show advertised a number of artistes; apparently none of them

performed. No explanation or apology was offered to the audience.

This abuse of the good nature of our people must stop. We cannot keep dishing out mediocrity and call it par excellence. We must lift the level of our game. Many of us can talk a good game about good customer service, and the benefits of advertising. However, when it comes to the actual execution, it leaves a lot to be desired. The disrespect does not just stop at our people, but we brag that our carnival is being covered by regional and international press, and this is what we put out. These promoters must never ever again be allowed to hoodwink Vincentians or I have no doubt our obsession will quickly turn to revulsion.

Sharon Haynes