‘Very productive’ meeting with BRA officials

A recent meeting between bandleaders, promoters and officials from the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA) has been described as “very productive”, but one side is still adopting a wait-and-see attitude.

Last week, bandleaders and promoters got the opportunity to sit down at the round table with BRA officials to discuss the vexing issue of Value Added Tax (VAT) on complimentary tickets and costumes.

When asked about the outcome of the session, President of the Barbados Association of Masqueraders (BAM), Chetwyn Stewart, did not say whether his members’ call to have the 17.5 per cent VAT on complimentary tickets and costumes reversed would become a reality. However, he did say the meeting was very productive.

“I can’t say anything other than the meeting was very productive. We met and we discussed our challenges and we will wait and see what happens next,” Stewart said.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) told this newspaper that the Foundation facilitated the meeting because of the need for the issues affecting the bandleaders to be discussed extensively.

Browne said he believes that bandleaders appreciate the role BRA has to play, while the management of the Revenue Authority has a better understanding of the challenges being faced by the people who work behind the scenes to ensure bands are on the road Kadooment Day.

“The decision was to work together and meet regularly. So they have set up a schedule of meetings for approximately every two months leading up to Crop Over, so that we can iron out any issues and have a smooth season,” Browne said.

“The meeting can go a long way in reducing some of the anxiety of the bandleaders. Over the last two years, there have been a lot of issues that they raised. Understandably, times are challenging and sponsorship is hard to get so they are looking for ways to make it happen,” he added.

The CEO said that NCF’s management was pleased that the meeting was held because they are aware of the fact that there can be no Crop Over without Grand Kadooment.

“We have got to find a way to make sure that we can help bandleaders and save Grand Kadooment. We are trying to meet with the Police now, to discuss any challenges they may have there.

“This is how we have to go forward to avoid any controversy and any bad feelings among our stakeholders,” Browne said. (AH)