Specifically, he wants the wall at the back of the centre torn down to make way for the building of an auditorium for staging entertainment events.

"I want to take this opportunity to ask the present Government
to tear down the wall at the back of Sherbourne where there exist the makings of an auditorium which could seat 1 500
to 2 000 people.

"I am appealing to the current Prime Minister to continue the work . . . so that people like Richard Stoute and all promoters who do small shows would have a venue which is purpose-built," he said.

Gilkes, one of the directors of FAS Entertainment Services, was the main speaker yesterday at the launch of the Digicel Barbados Reggae Festival 2008 at Hilton Barbados.

He also asked that any plans to build propane tanks by the Flour Mill
on Spring Garden be scrapped as "it would destroy Kadooment",
but an auditorium be built there instead.

"We are creating sensational responses around the world. We have people who are coming into Barbados from major labels following the success of Rihanna, coming to see this place called Barbados and
then we have no place
to show them.

"This needs to be rectified if culture is to grow and we are to live up to the rumour of being the true entertainment site
of the Caribbean," he said.

This year's festival will follow the format of last year's, with the Reggae Beach Party on April 20 at a venue to be announced; Vintage Reggae returning to the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium on April 25 and Reggae On The Hill April 27. The last will feature seven foreign acts, including Sizzla Kalonji, Jah Cure, Tanya Stephens, Tarrus Riley, Pressure, Cocoa Tea and Capleton, and about ten local performers.
(CA)