Carnival Band Leaders Demand New Leadership Citing “Disrespect”

Carnival band leaders are speaking out against what they describe as years of mismanagement and poor communication from the Belize Carnival Association (BCA). At a press conference this morning, they accused the leadership of failing to provide accountability, transparency, and fair treatment for both competing and non-competing bands.

One leader expressed frustration over the lack of clarity in competitions. “Who goes into a competition not knowing what we’re going to win, what we’re going to get? We, the band leaders, for years we did that,” she said.

Band leaders explained that prize money is often handed out as a single cheque without a breakdown, leaving participants unsure of what they earned for categories such as King, Queen, or Road March. Several noted that while large bands invest more than $100,000 annually, the prize pool has remained at $10,000 for nearly three decades.

Non-competing bands also voiced concerns, saying they pay thousands in fees but receive no security, guidance, or recognition. “We make up a big part of the carnival, because we’re putting all three, four trucks. It’s a lot of investment.… We deserve a right to be seen and see what’s the difference between a competing and a non-competing band, right?” one leader said, arguing that their contributions are sidelined.

The grievances extended beyond money. Band leaders cited poor communication, lack of sponsorship support, and disrespect from the association. Some recalled being promised prizes only to be disqualified at the last minute. “We have been disrespected many times. We abide by the rules, and even abiding by the rules, there’s always conflict against us,” one leader said.

Criticism also targeted the association’s handling of elections and rulebooks, with leaders saying they have never had a real voice in decision-making. “We don’t vote, that’s the thing. Every year it just rolls right over. I have been in carnival from 2016 and haven’t voted as yet in an election,” one said.

The group revealed that they had met with an attorney and drafted a letter of no confidence in the current leadership, demanding new representation to move Carnival forward. The response they received, however, declared the letter invalid.

At the end of the press conference, the band leaders united in calling for the current committee to step down. “We all agreed to ask them to step aside and give somebody else a chance… We need a new committee,” they said.

Among those present at the press conference were the Titans Mass Band, Belizean Jewels, and Soca Moca.

News 5 has reached out to the Belize Carnival Association for a response.