NCF out $15 000 without Stadium

EXCLUSION of the National Stadium from Grand Kadooment will see the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) losing about $15 000.At a time when the NCF was talking about tight budgets, chairman Ken Knight said the elimination of the National Stadium as a judging point would result  in a loss.“When we did an analysis of the attendance within the Stadium, we’ve dropped from about 1 224 paying persons last year. Basically, you have to face reality. Given the numbers, there is a call for change, and hence the reason for advancing the review of the route,” he said.Stands will be constructed in an area outside the Stadium for spectators to see the bands and where judges will be stationed. Bands will then follow the traditional route.Noting that the budget for this year’s festival had been cut by about a half million dollars, Knight said the NCF had to find creative ways of making the festival better than in previous years.“I believe that we will see a better product than we have seen in previous years,” he added. “I can assure you there will not be a watered down product; if anything there will be an enhanced product.”Knight was speaking at a Press briefing at the NCF during which he reiterated there would be no increase in ticket prices this year. (YB)