Island Real Estate BVI Blog

By ANGELA BURNS, BVI News Correspondent 20.MAR.08
Business owners and residents of Cane Garden Bay turned out to a meeting at the Ivan Dawson Primary School on Wednesday evening to clear the air about reports that the annual BVI Music Fest would be moving from its usual location of Cane Garden Bay into Road Town this year.

The meeting was coordinated by resident Daniel Cline and was attended by about 25 people, including Parliamentary Representative for the 2nd District, Honourable J. Alvin Christopher and Director of the BVI Tourist Board Janis Braithwaite-Edwards.

The music festival, organized by Frank Mahoney and a committee of friends, including Ghana Skelton-Smith, Marjorie Smith and Cherlin Armstrong, began in 2000 and has been staged every year since then.

"The objective is to bring all classes of people together in a relaxed atmosphere, with music being the uniting force," Mr. Mahoney said.

He said one of the major purposes also is to give a boost to the local economy during a time of relatively slow tourism, at the end of May. Cane Garden Bay was chosen as the venue because it provided that relaxing atmosphere, it has one of the most beautiful beaches in the BVI and it catered to the boating community, he added.

"I think the music fest has met it objectives and then some," Mr. Mahoney said. "It has grown beyond our wildest imagination with between 8,000-10,000 local, regional and international patrons."

The organizers said the music fest has generated revenue for the service industry, such as car rental agencies, hotels, restaurants, airlines and government through departure and hotel taxes. One businessman attested to the fact that his business makes up to $6,000 during the event, which is spread out over the weekend and offers daytime activities as well.

Admission initially was free, but the cost of entry has gone from $5-$20 in order to offset costs.

Artists have included Stephanie Mills, Roberta Flack, Freddie Jackson, Percy Sledge, The Manhattans, Regina Belle, Jonathan Butler, Jon Lucien, Morgan Heritage, Lucky Dube, Maxi Priest, Buju Banton, Freddie McGregor, Gregory Isaacs, Allison Hinds and Destra Garcia.

Mr. Mahoney told the meeting that promotion has not yet started because of the difficult decision he is yet to make about the venue, but he has contacted artists such as En Vogue, Jeffrey Osborne, Arrow, Tabu Combo, David Rudder and Richie Spice, among others, to perform for 2008.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Cline said the meeting was called to try and understand what is happening with the music fest this year, having heard rumours that it would be moving to Road Town. He said this is a major event for Cane Garden Bay which has benefitted the entire BVI, and they have not been hearing about any plans for 2008.

Mr. Mahoney explained that funding for the event has been a major issue. He said he repeatedly requested a meeting with the Premier, but was only able to meet with the Permanent Secretary, who indicated that funding from the government would be cut by $200,000 from last year "because the budget is tight". He said he received a letter saying the committee would now only get $100,000, but he would need a minimum of $200,000 to maintain the standard that has been raised.

"That has been a devastating blow, making it difficult if not impossible to have the event in Cane Garden Bay," he said. "I don't understand the reason for the cost cutting, since the event generates money for the entire territory. It is not my objective to move it, but I cannot find myself in a financial hole, we can't go back to year one where we are so economically drained at the end that our phones are cut etc. The move to Road Town would give the committee control of the gate."

Mr. Mahoney said money is needed to book artists and the committee only has $50,000 in reserve.

Events Coordinator at the BVI Tourist Board Rhodni Skelton said government gave up to $400,000 last year towards the festival, but the question of accountability has been a problem over the years and this has to change.

Mr. Cline suggested that one of the problems is the lack of a financial report from Mr. Mahoney about the proceeds, however, it was confirmed by Mr. Mahoney and Mr. Skelton that unaudited financial reports have been produced.

Mr. Skelton said the committee deserves all the credit for putting on the festival, but the festival may be at the stage where "it is no longer their baby".

The meeting got a little heated with one businessman asking for a report on the cost and gross of the festival.

Mr. Mahoney said it costs about $600,000 to stage the festival, but he declined to say how much money it makes.

"This is an interesting meeting, I came thinking we'd be working together, not as adversaries, but looking to see how to raise money to keep the event at the same level, and not thinking that Frank Mahoney is the biggest devil," he said. "It's insulting. I sit here now and listen to the antagonistic attitude towards me and I do not appreciate it."

Another business person suggested that it was too late to change the venue, since guests had already booked to come for the event.

Hon. Christopher used the opportunity to thank Mr. Mahoney for coming up with the idea of staging the festival, but said it is at the point where he should partner more with the community.

"I think there should be more discussion, and I would seek a meeting with the Premier so that we could further this discussion," he said.