Steel band returns from Cancun

They’re back from their performance at Festival of the Caribbean ’99 in Cancun, Mexico. But while the children pleased the audience, the Pantastick Steel Band Orchestra, and their parents weren’t too pleased with the trip. In a press release today, the Belize Arts Council said while Grace Primary students captivated their audiences, they weren’t treated like performers. According to the Arts Council, a lack of organization by festival officials meant the Belize contingency had no liaison officer and had problems with hotel bookings. In addition, their performances were scheduled for very late at night and the group experienced problems at the border when trying to return to Belize. The Arts Council says they have already filed a complaint through the Belize Embassy in Mexico.