THE Association of Musicians, Producers and Performers of Saint Lucia (AMPP SLU) was launched on Thursday, November 28, 2019.
The association celebrates this long awaited achievement, as it was, in 1985 that attempts first commenced to form an organization which would serve as a union for members.
For over 30 years various individuals, some of whom were well known musicians and personalities in Saint Lucia, went through the many hurdles and obstacles, but were not able, for a myriad of reasons, to be successful in achieving this feat. AMPP SLU through its evolution over the years has agreed that the association will not operate as a union but instead, collaborate with an existing recognized union in order to carry out certain functions.
In 2016 the association was recognized by the then Ministry of Gender Relations, as a non-profit organization, but the association still needed to have a legal standing in order to operate effectively as a non-profit membership organization. AMPP SLU has now received the Certificate of Incorporation under the Companies ACT, Cap. 13.01 of the Revised Laws of Saint Lucia as a non-profit company as of September 18, 2019.
It has been recognized that an association is needed more than ever before, to represent musicians, producers and performers. This sector in the arts has been known to have many concerns, but many have been approaching these issues on an individual basis with very poor results. With an association, this grouping will be able to lobby and advocate for members concerns as a body and therefore in a more organized and unified manner.
The interim Executive Board of Directors are extremely gratified as it now has in place its By-Laws, alongside the goals and objectives of the association as well as a road map for 2019-2020.
The interim Executive Board of Directors consists of Jackie Cherebin-Weekes (President), Ian Sanchez (Vice President), Buffalo Odlum (Public Relations Officer), Ronelle Biscombe (Secretary), and Barry George (Director).
The Board hopes that in the coming months during its membership drive that musicians, producers and performers will register with them, so that in the first quarter of 2020 an Annual General Meeting will be held to elect a Board to carry out the mandate of AMPP SLU which is to assist and develop the music industry in the country.
Updates will be given periodically through the media.
— AMPP SLU