Response To Article About Hilton Hotel And Wayne Jackman

Submitted by Hallam Edwards

I write in response to your recent article carried under the headline “Is This Really Happening At The Hotel Built With The Proceeds Of Barbados National Bank Sale?”

As a regular patron of the Hilton Barbados and, as a result, someone who has built quite a few friends with staff at that establishment over the year, I must state that the allegation about Wayne Jackman’s Show on Tuesday and Saturday nights being cancelled because the new general manager thinks too many black Barbadians attend is quite ridiculous!

The Hilton caters to Barbadians from all walks of life on a daily basis. In fact, I can assure you that the weekend breakfast and Sunday Lunch is almost totally patronized by locals, including me, and it is great value for money.

I can also tell you that I know for a fact that when the Hilton decided to work with Wayne Jackman and his band some years ago, many eyebrows were raised but to everyone’s surprise, it developed into a good relationship. My information, however, is that as the show grew in popularity, the success posed many challenges which were discussed by the band and the hotel’s management in great detail.

Some of these challenges are very much known to us patrons. Foremost among them is the fact that the bar which anybody can see was was built to accommodate no more than about 60 persons at a time is now “bursting” with more than 100 whenever the band plays which causes all sorts of issues, especially with the AC, which turns the place into an oven.

On a nightly basis there’s also a constant scramble by patrons for seats because of too many people. The band attracts a mature crowd, many of whom prefer to sit and enjoy the entertainment rather than stand. However, Wayne attracts so many people that quite often the dance area is packed, all the seats are taken and many of us are left with no alternative than to stand around and this adds to the problem.

In such a congested environment and with no cover charge I would be surprised if on any one night Hilton is able sell enough drinks to pay the band far less the bar staff and take care of overheads. I believe I speak for every Bajan who has patronised this show over the years when I say that it makes me very sad to hear that, as we say, “um done”.

I know that it is very easy to stand aside with no information and just make ridiculous statements and criticize decisions. However, it is an irrefutable fact that we Bajans have always been more welcomed and respected in Hilton than in any other hotel on this rock and I would put my neck on the block and contend that if that Hilton and Wayne Jackman are parting ways it has nothing whatsoever to do with black or white.

By the way, do you all know who else perform at the hotel on a weekly basis? In The Grille it is Brown Soul, Wesu Wallace and Kean Springer – all Bajan and Black. In the Lighthouse Terrace, the Strolling Minstrels – Bajan and Black. At Water’s Edge, Two Guitars, John King and Karaoke weekly – all Bajan and Black.