BACA officially launched

THE Barbados Association of Calypsonians and Artistes (BACA) has been officially launched and intends to empower, recognise and celebrate those in the contribute to the island’s cultural landscape.

Officially formed on Wednesday night at the Mount Gay Visitors Centre, BACA President Sean “Apache” Carter gave a comprehensive overview of the new organisation which he explained is a duly constitutional incorporated non-profit organisation.

“As a body, our membership is comprised of creative and cultural practitioners who are united in the quest for fair terms and conditions across the entertainment industry of Barbados.”

Carter revealed that the seven-member executive has already begun to work on the following systems which should provide substantial and tangible benefits.

These include: The BACA Benevolent Fund which will provide grants to members faced with financial challenges, medical emergencies or other critical circumstances. A board of trustees will be instituted to manage this fund to which contributions from the NCF, the Tent Managers, Corporate Barbados and BACA will be made annually.

A Medical Support Service: BACA in association with the American University of Barbados will provide free medical consultation, prescriptions, diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol screening, wound dressing and health certificates to all members and student members (under 18 who are currently studying the arts and desirous of being a cultural practitioner).

BACA will also seek to promote members through shows, pop-up limes and competitions and to provide career advice, a membership directory, job information and Artistes Empowerment Seminars in which training and professional development information on a plethora of topics, from the business of music to song writing, performance, branding and digital marketing will be provided.

The BACA president also highlighted the introduction of the BACA card.

“The BACA card will be used locally as a form of identification and a symbol of an individual’s status as a member of BACA. It will provide its holder discounts from various establishments and discount card partners such as vocal coaches, fitness centres, health shops, music stores, hotels, restaurants and clothing stores throughout the island.”

Additionally, he noted that there are plans of a radio show and the publication of a quarterly news letter and annual BACA magazine to highlight the work of members and provide a guide for where one could find his or her favourite artistes outside of the Crop Over season.

Carter also pointed to the BACA Entertainment Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement Award which will seek to give special attention to our cultural legacy and to those who have made significant investments and stellar contributions to the entertainment industry in Barbados.

“I therefore charge our general membership with the responsibility of encouraging and helping other artistes to see the vision and become a part of this movement in order to build, safeguard and secure our future as cultural practitioners within the landscape of Barbados.”

“We can fight any battle and win. We can make a difference if we work together, because we are stronger together. In unity, there is strength and through the power of our music, as Eric Clapton said, we can change the world.” (JH)