THE EDITOR, Madam:
REGARDING THE article written by Andrew Clunis, headlined 'Progression band - a classy outfit', published in the Sunday Gleaner of January 7, 2001, for reasons of clarity I have listed the points of concern below:
I need to state categorically that the Progressions Band is not the former CO2 band but, rather, three members of the Progression Band -- namely Carl Edwards, Arnaldo Bolt and Everton Campbell -- were formerly employed to the CO2 Band. CO2 Band is a working entity that is currently in great demand, both locally and internationally.
My former band was seven strong, therefore, less than half of the band cannot be construed as the former CO2. Messrs. Agustus MaCalla, Norman King, Alston Burton have never been in the employ of AFRI Kallectiv's CO2 Band and has never travelled or worked with the company.
Maurice Provost made two brief appearances with the band at the X-News' re-launch and CAST's African cultural renaissance movement concert, respectively.
He was not employed to the band, did not receive any compensation, but was outfitted by AFRI Kallectiv Ltd. in the usual classy fashion that the CO2 band is renowned for.
The article listed the names of the band members and claimed that they are "currently locked in a bitter court battle with Christine Hewitt, former manager."
I must hasten to add that Messrs. Agustus MaCalla, Norman King, Maurice Provost and Alston Burton, have never been involved in any court battle with me. As a matter of fact, with the exception of Provost, I haven't the faintest idea who the gentlemen are.
In the article Mr. Clunis claimed that the Progression Band had a number of musical credits. The supposed Progression gigs are listed below with the corrections alongside.
1. Midem Miami 1997 let me assure you that the correct date is August 27,1998 and not 1997 as erroneously claimed in your story. Messrs. Provost, King, Burton and MaCalla were not involved in this project. Those who participated were Carl Edwards, Arnaldo Bolt and Everton Campbell.
2. 1998 Caribbean Music Festival robin hood Del East Philadelphia same as (1).
3. 1997 North By North East Music Festival in Toronto Canada the only musician involved in the project was Carl Edwards. Messrs. Bolt and Campbell had not yet joined the band.
4. BMEX Barbados Carl Edwards, Everton Campbell and Arnaldo Bolt only.
5. Boston House of Blues same as (4).
6. 1997 Reggae Sunsplash -- Carl Edwards only.
7. 1997 JAFA launch -- Carl Edwards only.
8. 1999 ninth annual G-15 conference Montego Bay -- Carl Edwards, Arnaldo Bolt and Everton Campbell only.
9. 1999 Teen Splash, Carl Edwards, Arnaldo Bolt and Everton Campbell only.
10. Rebel Salute 2000 -- Carl Edwards, Everton Campbell and Carl Edwards only.
The claim that Progression Band has backed Gregory Isaacs, Marcia Griffiths, Everton Blender, Judy Mowatt and Admiral Bailey is false, since in the case of Admiral Bailey, only Carl Edwards was involved in the project and in the case of the other acts, only Everton Campbell, Arnaldo Bolt and Carl Edwards were involved.
The impression that CO2 Band has disintegrated is totally false, but the truth is I have had personal changes and the CO2 band has not stopped working both locally and internationally since those changes have been made.
I am, etc.,
CHRISTINE HEWITT (MISS)
A.F.R.I. Kallective Ltd.,
KINGSTON.
