Promoter predicts major profits for businesses ahead of Kartel concert
Steve Parillon of YOLO Promotions is projecting significant profits for businesses across the territory ahead of the upcoming Vybz Kartel concert, despite public disapproval from some sections of the community.
Parillon told BVI News that business owners are excited about the event, with many local accommodations already fully booked in preparation for the concert, which is set for Sunday, March 15.
While visiting the concert venue behind the Administration Complex in Road Town, Parillon revealed that fans from around the world are planning to attend. He noted that data from the global self-service ticketing platform being used for the event shows ticket purchases from various countries, reinforcing his belief that tourism-related businesses, especially hotels, will see substantial gains.
“Based on our EventBrite, we can tell that not only people across the region would be visiting but also people from across the globe,” Parillon stated.
“As we speak, all of the hotels, Airbnbs, and villas are booked out here,” he added.
With accommodations on the British Virgin Islands at full capacity, Parillon said alternative lodging solutions are being explored.
“Right now, we’re just trying to encourage people to take boat rides from the nearby islands and stay at hotels there so they can come to the show,” he explained.
Christian Council opposes government’s involvement
Meanwhile, the BVI Christian Council (BVICC) issued a statement on Friday, March 7, acknowledging that while it is too late to stop the concert, they have spoken with Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley and strongly urged him to avoid financially supporting similar events in the future.
“We informed the Premier in no uncertain terms of our disappointment in the government’s financial support of the Vybz Kartel concert on March 15, as the messaging of this activity directly contravenes our Christian principles and greatly impacts our cultural and moral trajectory,” the BVICC stated.
Parillon defends concert’s impact
Parillon criticised the focus on negativity, arguing that the concert will provide economic benefits for both local and regional businesses.
“Why just point out the negative? Why not look on the positive side as well?” he questioned.
He urged critics to ask the taxi drivers, hoteliers, cruise and airline companies, and other businesses about the opportunities the event presents.
Parillon also emphasized that the concert is historic, as it will mark Vybz Kartel’s first performance in over 13 years outside of Jamaica. He confirmed that the British Virgin Islands will be the first location to host the dancehall superstar. Other international artists, including Skillibeng and Jah Vinci, are also set to perform, with surprise guest appearances planned.
In October 2024, Premier Wheatley confirmed that the government contributed $220,000 in taxpayer funds toward the concert. The move sparked public disapproval, including criticism from two legislators, who argued that the Territory had more pressing matters to address.
However, Premier Wheatley defended the sponsorship, asserting that Vybz Kartel’s concert could have a positive impact on the territory despite concerns from some residents.
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Pure Lies- most of the Hotel that are full Guess has Nothing to do with Kartel show- a few yes. wish him the best anyways …!
So him pay back the $250k, and plus the extra $50k, to the Govt and the BVITB?
Parillion stated that “despite public disapproval” – No Mr Parillon the disapproval was not about you having the concert i was about the public financingof the concert. You are free to finance and hold any concert you wish to . We just shouldnt have to pay for it.
Yes the promoter Taz and Mc.Mili started the mess. Hope when the violence start those three is ready to be responsible to take the LICK. Hope security is in order. For some reason I do not have a good feeling about this mess.
We in so much trouble I can’t describe. You mean we can’t balance our budget without a loan but throwing these pucking concertss who running this territory?
I’m curious to know what he defines as profit in this economy. You didn’t even come up with a down payment for booking Mr. Palmer. I hope you barely see any returns, considering that half of the Caribbean has already booked him, and we’re no longer exclusive. The BVI isn’t an entertainment hub, and I understand you’re resorting to last-minute begging for money. Fortunately, you have the government on your side, as other communities have already banned Mr. Palmer from performing due to his music.
When you have to do last minute begging……………..
Facts. I smell a poor turnout. Can anyone really go tho that show and enjoy themselves
Concerts can actually have an outrageously good impact on local economies. I believe the Taylor Swift tour turned every dollar in ticket price into $8 dollars for local economies which is an incredible conversion. If the government is serious about event tourism, we need to put some resources into properly assessing their success, but I suspect we never will because the public learning about events that lost the country money will make them look bad.
Not every business is going to profit only some. Only who have hands in it will profit. Stop trying to gaslight people.
The amount of people want this dude unalive, hats off to who want to brave this event when bullets start to rain. Tola is a soft target bc it does not have the resources to handle these situations.
The premier need licks for this one taking up so much money to give a private entity for concert when all you hearing is it aint got no money for so many important things that need doing. The seniors in east end cant even use the community center 5 days a week as promised because aint got no money for that. but we got 220k for vybz kartel. Some ayo what going got to catch water from morning to bathe to go that show cause aint going have no running water by the time you looking to get ready. We must go to vybz kartel concert and be content despite the place running down and it don’t have no money for nothing important.
The Rasta Trump is on his rant over at the radio as usual calling names.
Vybes Kartel will be in St Kitts in 3 months for an action packed line up of artists which would be more value for money. If you look behind the complex now with a few days left, they are in big trouble. The hotels are always booked in March so I’m not sure what this guy is talking about. Yes, some businesses will make money but that does not mean putting on the show made financial sense. Our government will be on the hook for much more than $220K which in itself shows how stupid the entire thing is/was.
Despite the best efforts of the RVIPF there will be violence at this concert this Sat. night.
Stay home behind bullet proof walls!
How much is Government of the Virgin Islands getting back after wasting all that money that could’ve been used in the schools, the hospital, fix the roads, or to fix the water problem?? Please let us know
Oh come on, natalio Trinidad advisor ask you to appear in the media to deflect the blame of his bad stewardship over the BVI finances, because natalio will be a football throughout this month giving him unfavorable popularity with the people in conjunction with st Thomas tariff war, I notice he ask government Bryan to promote as some leader of a kind, he political advisor is really at work, that same guy appearing to take the licks would a wish he had that money to start a small boutique hotel at let’s say prospect reefs, but no , I hear Vybz Kartel building a massive house from we BVI people tax money.and it’s a possibility that natalio unpopularity may cause Hime to get sting by the snake Fraser who is a more mature politician and potential leader, he counting on Marlon Penn if this happens to save him, this model the primier took as far as giving $250K to a criminal tells the youths they can get guns and go rob because criminal will prosper and it’s an attractive lifestyle that brings wealth, but when he leaves office he will regret it in his old age sitting on the verandah when those youths comes to rob him.
Marlon would be wrong because we want an election now
Lorna and Marlon and Fraser has thrown their support behind natalio get more finance to party some more.
the thieves and crooks wil be lurkin, guard your wallets, purses, pockets and vehicles AH BEG!!! Praying for an incident free event for you all! be safe
Wishing you success in your endeavors, bad mind is the worse disease and unfortunately there is no cure. Don’t watch the noise just do your thing. What a set a badminded people in this place so much hatred against their own people.
It’ll be interesting to see who will fork out $140 but always brokes everytime you see em