Hundreds of patrons erupted in anger and demanded a refund on Sunday night at Sting nightclub in Gulf City, La Romaine,Trinidad. The riot started after Dancehall artist Movado failed to appear for a much advertised show .
Patrons, who paid between $150 and $200 for tickets, were greeted with a sign at the door saying that Jamaican artiste "Movado did not make his flight".
The sign also stated that the promoter's track record shows that he always delivered, so the show must go on. The names of several local artistes were listed to perform and all ticket holders who entered the hall were to receive a $30 refund. Another sign said, "There will be no refund at ticket outlets."
Patrons claimed that they could not get their refund and were in fighting mood. Dozens of patrons returned to the site yesterday to get their refund, and claimed that there was no show at all because of the "bacchanal". They believed that the promoter knew that the artiste was not coming to the show, but they continued to promote the show and sold tickets up to Saturday.
Contacted yesterday, show promoter Glenroy Watson said: "I stood up to talk to people and explain to them that the artiste did not turn up. I did not run. I put up a sign telling people I will refund money if they did not want to hear the locals, but if they went inside the entertainment centre, they would still get a refund of $30, but some of them would have none of that.
"People started making threats and they wanted to kill me. Security broke down and things went wild and overbearing."
He said when patrons started to hustle him for money back, he told them to return yesterday (Monday) at noon for their money. Watson said he was told that Movado's passport was lost in Canada and therefore he could not travel.
He said: "I already paid him some money and he promised to return it for a no-show, but so far I have not received the money. The show cost me US$17,000 to organise." When this happens, Watson said "promoters have to stand their losses. We are not insured for shows".
Contacted on the matter, Sting's manager, Sean Leonard, said he could not do anything about the show.
"It was a private function. The place was just rented to the promoter. We do not rent this place out unless we see contracts with artistes and the promoter had his contract, Leonard said.
"Watson did everything right, but just the main artiste did not show. The promoter loses big in such a situation, because they still have to pay for all the other arrangements for the show. I was there and I cannot blame the promoter really. He has even promised to refund patrons."
SOURCE:trinidadexpress
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