The Barbados Association of Creatives and Artistes (BACA) is calling on creatives to use their medium of expression to stand in solidarity against what it is calling unfair treatment of its member – Ronnie
De Announcer Clarke.
In a release, BACA stated: “Use your voices. Speak out on social media. Write to your representatives. Call for fairness and justice.”
The association had “grave concern” over the ongoing treatment of Clarke, whom it said, “has faithfully served Barbados in two distinct capacities” as programme manager at Starcom Network, and as a celebrated calypsonian and cultural advocate whose music has enriched the cultural landscape for decades.
“Today, he remains on paid leave pending the resolution of a matter that traces back to 2024, a matter that raises troubling questions about freedom of expression, cultural participation, and fairness.”
BACA is calling for:
• Transparency in the process and decision-making surrounding this matter
• Dialogue between all relevant parties to seek a resolution that respects the rights of creatives
• Fair treatment of Clarke and, by extension, all cultural practitioners
It said the genesis of this issue lies in De Announcer’s 2024 public announcement of the title of his calypso, National Carol Festival, and his social commentary on the challenges faced by calypsonians.
“These Facebook posts were later interpreted by management as inappropriate for someone holding a senior broadcasting position. In addition, De Announcer fulfilled the intent of his posts and announcement of the release of National Carol Festival on June 27, 2025.
De Announcer participated in the 2025 Pic o de Crop Calypso Finals and placed third and the association believes this might have compounded the situation as it questioned whether he was performing as De Announcer or the programme manager.
While the song went on to place third in the NCF-produced Finals, was broadcast live on CBC 100.7 FM and hailed as one of the most impactful pieces of social commentary of the season, Starcom banned the song, said BACA.
As a result, it wrote Starcom’s General Manager Anthony Greene, seeking clarification and received no response, it said.
It then approached Dawn Thomas, Group CEO of OCM (Starcom’s parent company), who acknowledged receipt and confirmed that the highest levels of the organisation were aware.
Yesterday, Greene said that BACA’s comments did not accurately represent the situation.
“Due process is already underway and I can confirm that Ronnie Clarke is on paid leave while the process unfolds. Respectfully, at this stage, I cannot go further other than to allow the established procedures to continue.
“All sides have appropriate representation and the company remains committed to ensuring fairness of the process throughout.”
BACA states: “This is bigger than one man. It is about preserving a Barbados where art is free, where culture thrives and where no one is punished for speaking truth through song. BACA remains steadfast in our commitment to defend the rights of our creative members, to speak out when culture is under threat and to ensure that the voices of our artists are celebrated – not silenced.” (PR/SG)
He got the rid of Lil Rick & Peter
Now it’s his turn.
Mr. It now in hot water.