B.T.B. apologizes to local artists for using Aurelio Martinez’s track on promotional video
This afternoon, the Belize Tourism Board issued an apology to all Belizeans. It is a first for the B.T.B. which came under fire from artists as well as from many sectors over a musical track by Aurelio Martinez for the “Discover How To Be” Belize promotional video. The general complaint since the launch of the video last week has been that while Aurelio is an outstanding and well-loved artist, there are many Belizean artists who should have been hired to promote Belize. The B.T.B. says it is deeply saddened that its decision has caused public outcry and that it was not their intention to disrespect or offend our own talented musicians. The B.T.B. says that the goal of the “Discover How To Be” Project was to create a visual representation of the physical diversity and rich cultural traditions of Belize for those who have yet to experience it. Over a hundred hours of footage was captured to produce the video that is expected to attract new visitors, and give a sense of nationalism and pride. In selecting the track, the B.T.B. says it placed emphasis on finding a culturally relevant piece of music created, recorded and produced in Belize that blended seamlessly with the timing and tempo of the video. It ends its release by assuring all Belizeans that, going forward, it will collaborate more closely with local artists.
Hopefully, Belizeans do not expect a song like tornado to be used…..
What’s new ?Patronizing foreigners is a norm in the Jewel.Jamaican Artists are promoted in Belize everyday.What’s the big deal i am assuming that the problem is not with the artist but with the fact that the promotional Video was done in Garifuna.Belizeans are afraid of change but guess what my people change must come.
Exactly, the creoles simply wanted a creole singer to be featured! They are so…
I honestly think these organizations need to look at the bigger picture and stop violating the rights and hard work of musicians all around the world. We have been taken advantage of our own musicians and their work and are trying to do the same with others from another. Not even I am aware of what is happening with the productions of some of there videos and advertisements; being a great musician within this country of ours. This type of movement is not even legal. So what this is saying is that BTB is ignoring the existence of BSCAP/ASCAP withing the country; which would have helped in the proper procedures in their production of that video. I trust that this will be a learning experience for BTB and similar companies. This is the second unprofessional action I’m reading made by BTB in less than a month(I’m referring to BTB not supporting the Park Fest in New York). The time for growth has passed; What are we waiting for Belize?