Tent cuts

THE ECONOMIC SQUEEZE seems to have tightened around the necks of calypso tents with some scheduled to open no more than twice for the Crop Over season, and at least three joining forces for judging.
The majority of the 12 tents that will be pitched this year still seem to be getting their act together as the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) has had to revise the judging timetable three times.
The crux of their problem is lack of sponsorship.
“It costs money to run a tent . . . about $18 000 to $20 000 a night,” said veteran manager Roy Byer from the Kingdom Of Super Gladiators.
“From the lighting to the sound has to be taken care of . . . calypsonians have to be paid. While I have a venue, others have to look for a spot and when you look at [the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre] and The Plantation you are paying $5 000 to $6 000 for them,” said Byer, who noted that he had no sponsorship and was paying for everything out of his personal savings.