Entertainment

FTC catches up with Solid Agency

By TYRONE REID, Staff Reporter

THE LOCAL WATCHDOGS of fair trade, the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) will be delivering its first bark at Solid Agency, the promoters of 'Appleton Hotshots'.

However, it will not be a loud and menacing one. On the contrary it will be rather civil.

Barbara Lee, Executive Director of the Fair Trading Commission told THE STAR that the interactions are in a very embryonic stage. "We are just getting letters out to the Hotshots promoters... by the end of this week the letters should be out," surmised Mrs. Lee.

Mrs. Lee revealed that the letter, which is about to be delivered to Solid Agency, basically serves as an invitation to have dialogue. "We have pointed out the problems we have with what transpired and we hope to have discussions so that we can arrive at a resolution."

Hotshots came under the probing lens of the FTC after two of the major acts - Pharrell and Elephant Man - who were advertised as a part of its bill did not perform.

It was later discovered that Pharrell left the island while the event was being staged.

However, Sharon Burke, head of Solid Agency, told THE STAR in a recent interview that it was announced that Pharrell would be performing early.

She claimed that the rapper/producer, who will be vying for six awards at this year's staging of the Grammy Awards, showed up at the venue at 4 p.m. with microphone in hand but there were no patrons there.

Word from Elephant Man's camp was that the effervescent deejay was not only at the venue but was willing and ready to perform. However the zeal on Ele's part was zapped by the promoter's decision to discontinue the show, as they claimed that the heavy drizzle was affecting the equipment.

In a previous interview with THE GLEANER Mrs. Lee highlighted that because the artistes did not perform as advertised, the promoters could be brought before the courts for breaching the Fair Competition Act. However, the legal tussle can be avoided if the promoters give back a portion or a total refund of the admission.

If Solid Agency refuses, then the FTC says they will drag them off to face the music. When contacted again, Sharon Burke declined to comment on the next move that her company is about to make in this real life game of chess. "Right now I don't wish to comment," said Ms Burke in sombre tone.

If the matter goes to court and Solid Agency is found wanting, they are looking down the barrel of a maximum fine of $5 million.