Dear Editor,

As someone who works behind the scenes at major events, I feel compelled to speak up in defence of Jamaica’s Carnival promoters and the thousands of workers who depend on these events to earn a living.

For many of us, Carnival is not just about costumes, music, or revelry, it is work. It is how we pay rent, buy groceries, and send our children to school. From event production crews and janitorial staff to food and beverage workers, security personnel, stagehands, drivers, and vendors, entire livelihoods are tied to these productions. When Carnival events happen, we work long hours, often overnight, to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely. When they don’t, our income disappears.

I find it troubling that while promoters are trying their best to rebuild the economy following the huge economic setback from Hurricane Melissa there is so much criticism directed at them. Instead of tearing down those who are creating opportunities, perhaps other groups and organisations should consider hosting events of their own, events that also employ production crews, janitorial teams, caterers, and countless other workers who rely on this ecosystem to survive.

Carnival promoters are not just hosting parties; they are generating employment, stimulating small businesses, and contributing to the wider economy. Every event means jobs for people like me; people who rarely get mentioned in the debates but who feel the impact immediately when events are cancelled or discouraged.

Too often the conversation around Carnival ignores the ripple effect these events have across the economy. When one event is staged, it supports not just the headline performers or promoters, but cleaners who arrive before dawn, crew members who build and break down stages, vendors who rely on weekend sales, and drivers who transport equipment and people. These jobs may not always be glamorous, but they are honest, essential work. Every successful event creates a chain of income that reaches deep into communities across Jamaica.

If the goal is economic growth and national recovery, then the focus should be on creating more opportunities, not criticising those who are doing the work. Let us support any initiative that puts Jamaicans to work and helps families earn an honest living.

Joe Faraday

faradayjoe@hotmail.com