Clearsound Production Services Group has sought to clarify its decision to withdraw its services from Sting 2024, which event organiser Supreme Promotions said resulted in the cancellation of the Boxing Day show hours before it was set to take place.

In a statement on Thursday in response to claims made by Supreme Promotions boss Isaiah Laing in the media, Clearsound said: “We believe it is important to respond to these allegations, which may be deemed as ‘prima facie defamatory’, released in the public domain, even though responding in this manner is against our Professional Standards.”

READ: Sting postponed

It said its decision to withdraw its services was based on a breach of contract by Supreme Promotions, which it alleged, among other violations, failed to honour a required down payment of $8 million.

According to the production company, it was contracted to deliver audio and visuals, lighting, power generation, roofing system, and pyrotechnics for Sting 2024. The agreed mobilization amount of J$8 million was to be paid by December 22, 2024, the company said.

“Despite assurances and word-of-mouth promises, a total of only J$1 million was received from the Mr Laing, which was paid in three parts on December 22nd and December 23, 2024. The remaining J$7 million was promised by December 24, 2024, but has not been deposited into our designated account,” Clearsound said.

“We also received a photo of a purported RTGS transaction for J$6.5 million. However, this amount remains outstanding, and we have gleaned information suggesting that the J$6.5 million was never sent. It is important to note that this sum of J$8 million does not constitute the total payment due for our services. Additional payment would have become due at Sound Check on December 26, 2024,” the company added.

It said its decision to mobilize without the full agreed payment was the company “extending leniency based on our relationship with the promoter”, but noted that it was in contravention of its standard operating policies.

“Despite our efforts, including several days of documented conversations, the lack of confirmed funds made it impossible to proceed with the event,” Clearsound said.

“Additionally, critical vendors, such as security personnel, fencing, lighting, and vending facilities, were absent from the site, posing significant risks to our operations. As of midday on December 26, 2024, Clearsound was the only provider present at the location,” the company stated.

Noting that its equipment was set up at the Jamworld location despite what it said were “chaotic circumstances of no parking lights, inadequate security, and other glaring logistical challenges”, Clearsound accused the promoters of abandoning the facility without arranging for security.

“As a result, Clearsound had to secure our equipment at our own expense, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the event despite these significant setbacks,” the company said.

“In light of these unresolved financial issues and hazardous conditions, we issued a formal cease and desist order on all operations related to Sting2024. Our decision was based on the necessity to ensure the safety and security of our team and equipment, which remains our top priority,” Clearsound continued, adding “Even so, the Operations Team had already completed 95 per cent of the build. Our team and equipment remained on location until we received communication of the cancellation from the promoter. This demonstrates our unwavering commitment to support the promoter, even at the last minute.”

It said it deeply regrets the postponement of Sting 2024 and the impact it may have had on the loyal patrons who eagerly anticipated this event.

“Our belief in the vision of Sting was unwavering, and we made every effort to support it until the very end. However, we were left feeling abandoned, unsupported, thwarted, and deceived in our endeavors,” the company said.

Sting 2024 had been set to be headlined by Tommy Lee Sparta, Turbulence and Teflon among other acts.