2 days ago
1
Reynolds Entertainment Agency, one of the principal organizers of the Cayman Fiesta in the Cayman Islands, has rejected accusations of “unprofessionalism and disrespect” made by soca star Alison Hinds after the conclusion of the three-day party weekend last week.
According to Tameka Reynolds, head of Reynolds Entertainment Agency, attendance at the all-soca segment of the event on Saturday night was unexpectedly low, with only around 150 patrons present. Reynolds said she approached the performers that evening to explain the situation given the significant shortfall.
“On the Saturday night which was all soca artist we got a 150 patrons, so I approached all the artistes and explained to them that the venue was empty and I was willing to pay 50% of the balance that was outstanding and they said no,” Reynolds stated. Soca artiste Lady Lava was the only performer who went ahead with her set that night.
Reynolds added that she had spoken extensively with Hinds before the event and was assured that the artiste would not publicly criticise the agency.
“I had a 45-minute conversation with Alison Hinds on the day of the show, after which she agreed that she wasn’t going to post anything and that I would pay her outstanding balance by the end of the month. So I was surprised that she posted lies, half-truths and innuendo to slander the name and brand of Reynolds Entertainment Agency,” she said.
The agency, whose core work is to secure work permits for artistes and industry professionals, also questioned Hinds’ commitment to promoting the event. Reynolds claimed Hinds declined two scheduled radio interviews, once citing a nail appointment and later saying she “had plans”—and did not share promotional materials for the Cayman Fiesta.
“I believe it is instructive that she can post a slander and lie but she never once posted a flyer of the Cayman Fiesta show,” Reynolds told WMV. “She got a paid deposit in full yet she didn’t post a flyer, no radio station interview… that was unprofessional and unfair, and factual.”
The Cayman Fiesta took place from November 7–9, with the first night headlined by rap star Rick Ross drawing roughly 1,000 patrons to the Lions Center. Among the other appearances at the event were Byron Messia, DJ Bishop Escobar, Chromatic and Ricky Platinum from the US.
Hinds took to Instagram on Friday to address her absence from the stage, insisting her brand was not damaged and that she was ready to perform but unable to do so due to the promoter’s behaviour.
“I want to let the people of Cayman know I was there and ready, but because of the unprofessionalism, the disorganisation and disrespect of said company, Reynolds Entertainment, I was not able to perform,” Hinds said, alleging a breach of contract. She added that her terms require all business arrangements to be completed before she takes the stage.
Reynolds firmly dismissed the allegations, stressing that discussions with artistes were transparent and that the agency sought reasonable compromises in light of the low turnout.
“No one else on the Cayman Fiesta soca night chose to slander a reputable agency. At no point did the agency fail to meet its obligations,” she said. “In the business world, things happen and compromises have to be made… We tried to satisfy fans and make arrangements to make up for shortfalls that may happen in the course of normal business transactions.”
She also refuted claims that airline tickets were not paid for by her agency. “That allegation is a lie. The airline cancelled the tickets and put them up in Pegasus, and that had nothing to do with Reynolds Entertainment Agency,” she insisted.
Reynolds addressed a separate issue concerning reservations at the AC Hotel, explaining that while the hotel had the company credit card on file, staff were unable to reach her for authorization as she was attending another event.
“Ms. Hinds was given the option to pay for the rooms. Under normal circumstances, I would have been more than willing to reimburse her,” Reynolds said. “Why would your name be at the hotel if it wasn’t paid for? Make it make sense. A misunderstanding happened and you had to pay for the hotel. We were cordial all through these things. My driver even ensured that she got back to the airport… so why tell half the story?”
Reynolds maintains that the agency met its obligations and that Hinds’ comments were damaging and misleading.
English (US) ·