As luck would have it, he asked to be excused and did have that sit-down with Samuel. About half an hour later, Invader informed the three media personnel present that albeit tentative, a compromise of sorts had been met.
Describing what he termed “a heated discussion,” he said the CDF exec assured him that within two weeks’ time artistes should be getting their outstanding prize monies. A number of meetings had already been held with a few to go to discuss such arrangements, Invader told the press.
Whilst admitting that he does give the CDF the benefit of the doubt, Invader said he believes that such matters need to be dealt with in a more professional manner. A great deal of time, dedication, creativity and finances go into producing a final product long before that product gets to the public. He thinks that in an age where increased focus is being placed on improving the image of the arts, the necessary support must also dovetail with such an approach.
Last year, Carnival prize monies were doled out within one month of the conclusion of the Carnival season. That ceremony was held at the National Cultural Centre on Saturday, August 15.
However, as has been explained by CDF’s executive director on numerous occasions, payments to artistes and other service providers depend mainly on subventions the agency relies on government for. Samuel has repeatedly indicated that unless such delays are avoided, the CDF will continuously have to contend with such embarrassing episodes. That fact was over-explained by CDF during the last Carnival season when planned protest action threatened some of the shows.
For now, though, some artistes, including Invader, seem resigned in principle to give the CDF the benefit of the doubt in honouring its latest reprieve.

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