Clearing the Air on Spice

News in the Carnival world reaches me from all over, sometimes people I do not even know supply me with information, hearsay and gossip about what is going on behind the scenes with certain bands. Other times the information literally falls in my lap as is the case of a certain popular fete, where I am sure by now the promoters know that the venue they were hoping to secure has not been approved, hence the reason no one can say for sure exactly where this fete will be held come Carnival Thursday.

There is nothing I dismiss as just merely a rumour as I believe there is always some figment of the truth, even if it has been distorted by the time the news gets to me. Despite having so many secrets whispered in my ear, often I do not choose to publish all of these tidbits unless I can back up my information with facts if challenged.

Therefore when I learned of a meeting which took place last week between the executives of Spice and Elements I had nothing to say publicly on the subject. My sources, as I heard it from more than one person, had informed me that Elements contacted Spice to collaborate with sharing of a rest spot and other on the road costs. Elements intention was to try to aim to reduce overall operational costs to the mutual benefit of both parties and to possibly merge. Ultimately I was informed that Spice rejected Elements offer.

Coming on the heels of this rejection of Elements’ offer by Spice, are some changes within the Spice family.I have deliberated on whether or not to publish this letter by Malcom Marquez one of the founding members of the Spice band who is no longer with Spice. What solidified the decision to publish it was the fact that I was informed that the talk is out there that “Spice is breaking up” and this is “talk” that is being circulated by a particular band who I think have reached the bowels of guerilla marketing tactics by mudslinging a band they were so eager to approach for assistance just a few days ago.

This is the letter published in its entirety:

Dear Saucee,
I am sure that word of what I am about to reveal via this letter will ultimately reach you and I wanted to ensure that you and your readers have all of the information at hand to consider.

Having had the pleasure of meeting you in person as well as speaking to you on occasion, I felt that as a matter of professional courtesy I would write you with regard to this development. This is an attempt on my part to use my best efforts to ensure that you have the facts. For your review and consideration I have tried my best to summarize below the key points that relate to the matter:

1. I recently sold my shareholding in SPICE to another party who has now acquired full ownership of the band.

2. The settlement, for my part, was an amicable one.

3. The band is financially sound and as far as I know the new owner has ample financial resources to ensure that all obligations are met.

4. One of the band’s competitors has seized this opportunity to spread inaccuracies via email and mass texts. These messages contain Elements that are largely false and I have already spoken to the respective Managing Director of this band indicating that this was in poor taste. I have also respectfully asked him to ensure that such activity is discontinued as it is libelous and carries legal implications. Hopefully good sense will prevail.

5. Naturally there will be some unavoidable fallout for Spice as I played a major role both financially and otherwise. But the new owner has the financial resources to see all the obligations through.

6. SPICE is NOT folding up, breaking up or otherwise and any insinuation or representation to that effect is completely false.

7. The mas industry and indeed the Trinidad & Tobago economy as a whole have been seriously impacted by the world recession that is now being widely regarded as the worst in history. Registrations throughout the mas industry have as a result been well below everyone’s expectations and it is no secret that the new bands have felt the impact of this.

8. Based on this as well as other factors I took a personal decision to divest a part of my portfolio that I felt had a huge measure of inbuilt risk. I own other businesses and felt that in the context of the economic downturn it would be difficult to manage the responsibilities for all. In the case of Spice the other shareholder was willing to buy up my share so I took the opportunity and entered into an agreement and settlement to sell my shareholding in the band.

9. This was not an easy decision, since as you know I have been very involved in Spice from conceptualization to now and it is something I am very passionate about. Nonetheless because of some of the overriding factors and responsibilities outlined above, I was forced to make a very difficult decision and to sell my interest in the band.

In closing, let me state that I have a tremendous respect for your blog as a medium in which people can gather accurate information on matters pertaining to Carnival. It is my hope that this letter or the information contained herein will reach your readers in its purest form.

I hope that I have informed you and your readers adequately and that the matter will be viewed in a positive light. If you are going to post this or any portion of it I would ideally like to be informed.

I continue to be an avid mas lover and a fervent supporter of Trinidad & Tobago culture in all its forms.

Thanking you in advance for your time, understanding and cooperation.

Yours Sincerely,
Malcolm Marquez