CHARLESTOWN, Nevis — PREMIER Mark Brantley is pushing back against concerns over payments to bands and entertainers participating in Culturama, making it clear that the Nevis Island Administration cannot guarantee payment schedules based solely on the demands of individual performers.
Speaking at a recent press briefing, Brantley said Culturama remains the biggest platform available to entertainers on Nevis, but government support must come with cooperation and an understanding of the administration’s cash-flow realities.
His comments follow the decision by at least one band to stay away from Culturama for a second consecutive year over disagreements about payment arrangements.
Brantley said the band had requested payments at specific times, including a deadline for receiving the balance owed.
“The government could not guarantee that,” he said.
The Premier explained that while government payments are expected to be made, the timing can depend on the administration’s cash position.
“I think everybody knows that when they deal with government, as we said, the money is sure, but sometimes it takes a little while, because a lot of it is dependent on our cash flow,” Brantley said.
He noted that the administration also had to consider the implications of agreeing to a special payment arrangement with one band, emphasizing that "we knew that if we made that commitment to one band, we’d have to make it to every other vendor".
Brantley said the government therefore could not meet the band’s demands, resulting in its decision not to participate.
“...the band said, 'no money, no love',” he said.
The Premier added the administration remains willing to work with established and emerging bands, naming Odyssey, Core, Ultimate and DVX among those that have participated in Culturama. But he warned that government support cannot mean simply meeting financial demands.
“We require partnership. People cannot expect to just come and demand money and say this has to be the way, and that is just not how it works,” he said. "And so we want people to understand."
He also highlighted the participation of bands from St. Kitts, saying their involvement brought additional fans to Nevis and helped contribute to what some considered one of the best Culturama celebrations in years.
The Premier used the opportunity to challenge Nevisian bands to think beyond the annual festival and develop their careers throughout the year.
He acknowledged that the music business is difficult but said entertainers need to actively build their audiences and create opportunities outside of Culturama.
With attention now turning toward the next Culturama season, Brantley’s comments signal that the government expects greater partnership from entertainers while continuing to provide support for the island’s cultural and entertainment sectors.
