Organizers of Grenada’s carnival on Saturday announced the postponement of the annual Panorama competition.
The competition, usually held on the Saturday night of carnival, will now be held next Saturday – August 19.
The competition was scheduled to start at 7:00pm on Saturday, however the event did not get off the ground although the registered pans for the competition were lined up outside the stadium waiting to be called on stage. Eight steel-bands were scheduled to participate.
Organizers apologize
But almost two and a half hours after the scheduled start time during which two announcements were made apologizing for the late start, the patrons were told that the competition was postponed.
“It will be held next Saturday August 19th at 7:00pm at the National Stadium. if you are unable to make it you can obtain a refund from the Spicemas Corporation office,” said the announcer as the patrons shouted their disapproval.
Disrespectful
“This is disrespect to pan lovers and pan players,” said lawyer Lisa Taylor who offered to provided legal consultation to the Steel-band Association if the postponement become a legal battle.
It was further explained that the reason for the change in date was due to the safety of pan players. The performing stage was still under construction when patrons started arriving at the venue.
The show was originally scheduled to be held at the Tanteen Netball Court. Following an emergency meeting last Monday between Culture Minister Brenda Hood, the Steel-band Association and the Spicemas Corporation it was agreed the competition should be held in the Junior Murray/Rawl Lewis stand of the Cricket Stadium.
Support declining
Over the years, the support for the Panorama competition has steadily declined. The show has been bringing in the least in revenue during the carnival season.
