THE NEXT staging of the Caribbean Music Expo is set for March 20 to 24, 2002 in Ocho Rios.
According to Lloyd Stanbury, chairman of the annual international music convention, the change of date for CME has come about for a number of reasons.
Stanbury cited the restructuring of the CME organisation as the main reason for the new dates. This exercise will see the CME re-establishing itself as a not-for-profit entity. The CME has been represented to date by a private limited liability company with funding coming from inputs by the directors as well as sponsorship from the Jamaica Tourist Board, JAMPRO and private sector companies from Jamaica and overseas. The directors anticipate that the new structure will attract added support from government and private sponsors.
Bad weather
Another reason given for the change of date is the bad weather experienced at the 1999 and 2000 events which were both held during the traditional rainy season. The CME had to either cancel or reschedule its major concert event as a result of the rain both years.
According to a release from the organisation, the move to March will also give the organisers the opportunity to tap into the Spring Break market.
Two outstanding Jamaican recording artistes are slated to be honoured at the CME Awards dinner which was introduced as a new feature to the expo last year. They are Jimmy Cliff, who will receive the Bob Marley Lifetime Achievement Award, and Shaggy, who will receive the CME Award for Excellence. They will join recipients Eddy Grant and Wyclef Jean.
