The recent uproar and wave of support from Trinis in particular, at Destra Garcia's recent call for the fence removal incident at Bacchanal Jamaica carnival event, is irrational and moreover misplaced.In my view, the fence, barrier, segregation etc, between VIP and General is but a smoke screen of the deeper issue of extreme wealth inequality that exist in the region and indeed the world.
Multi-price structuring and corresponding varying patron seating or standing location is not a proponent of this inequality. In fact, I believe this literal "two-stage" pricing structure, allows poorer people to attend the same event to see these great talents that can be effectively priced out of their reach.
If it were that the same price was being paid by all patrons but because of let's say your address, alumni, or God forbid the way you looked, assigned you to a different seating or standing position, then I would say we have a big, big problem. But this is not the case in the present two-stage pricing structure fetes.
Where there might be a genuine cause for concern, is with the "public" fetes that are not publicly advertised (online included) or which have impossible distribution mediums, both of which, have the effect of excluding most members of the public because of their address and alumni (or high school) etc.
Some people in our society tend to be more okay with this, when in fact, it is indeed more discriminatory and divisive than the ones you can actually attend but at which you may have to stand in the back because you are poorer.
The rising income in T&T and the slow death of the downtown fete is testament that the "jump-up and wave" fete is an inferior product, or in other words, people who are or were poor and the rich (as they also went to downtown fetes) desire a different calibre of performance, ambiance and vibe (putting away crime for the moment, which only strengthens my argument). The two-stage pricing allows for more (not all) people to be a part of this type of fete (where it is publicly advertised), not less.
As an economist myself, it is my humble view that multi-price/two-stage pricing structures has more to do with the economics of consumer surplus and less to do with consumer discrimination. So let's deal with inequality at its root (ie in our hearts, minds and economic systems) and not just in the fetes, please.
Trevonne Clarke
Arouca
Editor's note: In a press release Destra Garcia assured fans and promoters alike that she had no issue with VIP sections or fences constructed at events following reports of her refusal to perform at a fete in Jamaica until a fence was removed.Destra, who has been a staple act at the annual Bacchanal Jamaica party from inception, said that the fence in question was a bigger than usual vertical barricade which left the general admission crowd with little room to move as her songs commanded.
She said in the future, the promoters should construct the fence along the stage or in a manner that it does hinder patrons from enjoying the experience to the fullest. She said while she understood that there are people who pay more to enjoy a premium experience, she believes everyone should have space to enjoy themselves freely.