by ADONIJAH and KIMBERLEY DAVIS

"BE CAREFUL, CBC."

This was the warning Carl Alff Padmore gave to the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) yesterday while expressing concern about it sponsoring the Socaholic Headliners Tent.

"I would hope that the playing field remains level for all artistes from all tents. CBC has to be careful that they don't come across as being biased. I believe that they have the interest of the festival at heart . . . but by sponsoring one tent, CBC gives them the edge," the entertainer/teacher told the DAILY NATION at Tim's on De Hiway.

"I see the general manager of CBC, Dr Allyson Leacock, as a clear-thinking woman, but I need clarification on this issue."

Calypsonian Colin Spencer charged: "It is not right. If there has ever been a conflict of interest, that is one."

President of United Artistes of Barbados, David Kid Site Piggott, said members of the union had brought a concern that seemed legitimate.

"This seems to be a conflict of interest. It is something we are looking at very seriously. We respond to the concerns of our members and we will take it up with the Fair Trading Commission if necessary," he said.

Meaantime, marketing and corporate communications officer of CBC, Diane Forte, strenuously denied that any artistes would be disadvantaged as a result of the corporation's sponsorship of Headliners.

"CBC is a reputable, mature and responsible broadcasting organisation and we are fully aware of our responsibility to the festival. CBC's support of all has always been evident. On The Move is our theme this year and we are associated with several elements of Crop-Over.

"It was a marketing decision. It is just branding and we are associating ourselves with a number of projects. For the last two years, for example, we have sponsored Pine Primary School. Headliners were the first to offer a branding title," said Forte.

She stressed: "There will be no bias, no unfair advantage. I give that assurance. If at any time there is any evidence of such, people can bring it to our attention. CBC is a national broadcaster first."