Government is assuring that it will meet outstanding payments to all cultural practitioners and contractors attached to the Carnival 2026 ‘Flava Village’ initiative.
The assurance comes from Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin, who noted that 90% of all artistes have received payment.
Responding to a question in the Upper House on Tuesday, she dismissed any uncertainty over payments.
“The Government is fully committed to honouring every contractual obligation arising from the Flava Village initiative. Every performer who rendered a service will be paid.”
The Minister said while most artistes have already been paid, payments for some February engagements are still being processed, with a clear timeline given for completion.
“The majority of payments in respect of engagements during the month of January 2026 have been paid in full. Payments with respect to February 2026 engagements are currently being processed. To date, however, 90% of artistes have received payment. All payments to the various categories of performers are expected to be completed on or before the 31st of May 2026.”
The Minister also explained payment ranges for performers, stating that rates were negotiated and aligned with industry standards.
“Live bands were engaged at rates ranging from $20,000 to $60,000. Steel bands were similarly engaged at rates ranging from $12,000 to $60,000. Calypso, Soca, Chutney, Rapso artistes performing without a live band were engaged at respective rates ranging from $1,500 to $40,000. Rhythm sections, Tassa groups, Tambu Bambu groups were engaged on an average rate of $4,000 to $7,000. Disc jockeys ranged from $2,000 to $4,500. Hosts, Masters of Ceremonies were engaged from $2,500 to $7,000. Steel band soloists ranged from $800 to $4,000.”
Minister Benjamin said the programme reflected the Government’s broader commitment to the creative economy and the livelihoods of cultural workers.
“I wish to underscore that this initiative provided meaningful paid employment to approximately over 500 cultural practitioners across the length of the Carnival season. That is the statement of this Government’s commitment to the creative economy and to the livelihoods of those that keep our traditions alive.”
The Flava Village initiative concluded its operations on March 1st.