Promoters angry after Stadium banhttp://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article?id=161286209Concert promoters are distressed over an order from Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Gary Hunt, that no cultural or entertainment events be allowed at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
The promoters are predicting a collapse of the fledgling entertainment industry, as there is now no readily available venue where large-scale shows, including those featuring calypso, soca and local comedy, can be held.
Randy Glasgow, founder of Randy Glasgow Productions, is leading a group of promoters seeking to mobilise fellow promoters, artistes, musicians, sound companies, vendors and others that are being affected by Hunt's action.
A meeting is being planned for March 5 at a time and venue to be announced.
Glasgow told the Express yesterday that with the stadium out of bounds to arts and culture, hundreds of people are now facing a major loss of income.
"This will cripple the industry and severely hinder the development of culture in this nation. As promoters, we plan our events months in advance and for the Minister to just drop this upon us is unreasonable, because he knows that there is no suitable alternative venue. We are calling on Minister Hunt to reconsider," he said.
"Many lives are being affected by this move-artistes, musicians, vendors and those providing support services now can't earn a living. Planned shows are in jeopardy, for example RGP may have to cancel a planned Mother's Day Show, the Retro Calypso Soca Monarch Competition and a 50th Anniversary Tribute to Stalin.
"This is critical because we are always boasting that we are the Mecca of this and that, throwing a set of big talk yet culture has no proper place anywhere."
