It would seem to have escaped the promoters, Music Republic, of The First Rock and Reggae Concert, that holding a concert outside during Cayman’s rainy season, it might rain.

The weather forecast for last Friday (12) was not good. iNews Cayman reported that the Cayman Islands Weather Service were predicting heavy showers from Friday to Saturday and warned there could be flooding in low lying areas. Oh, and there could be thunder and lightning.

iNews had been monitoring Tropical Storm Chantal all week and although it had dissipated it was still producing heavy rain.

Despite all these warnings, when the torrential rain arrived as predicted and lightning lit up the skies with thunder rumbling louder than any sound system can produce, the promoters were caught with their pants down.

They were totally unprepared.

With tickets ranging from $40 up to $100 it was not exactly a cheap night and when the concert began at 10pm with Jamaican performer Chronixx bringing the big crowd to their feet that was the whole sum of the entertainment that lasted less than fifteen minutes.

The two headline acts, Third World and Air Supply, were nowhere to be seen and might just as well been in another world or a figment in the air.

People were left wondering what was going to happen. Some made it to the exits whilst others stayed because it had been made known that anyone leaving the concert area in Camana Bay would not be readmitted.

With the rain coming down in torrents and lightning and thunder adding to the misery there was no announcement that the concert was over. It was only when technicians started to unplug the equipment and one of them said it was over that some of us knew we had to go home in our wet clothes and shoes.

There was no official announcement made to any of the patrons there.

A statement did appear later that night saying:

“Tonight’s Rock and Reggae festival was cancelled due to weather causing a safety hazard to the safety of patrons, performing artists and equipment.

“If patrons save their tickets they will receive FREE entry into another Music Republic production in Cayman (date to be announced). *Please note, however, tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, as stated on each ticket.”

Hmm.

I am sorry Music Republic I won’t be attending if you ever have another Rock and Reggae Concert. I know a lot of people feel the same. “The First Rock and Reggae Concert” might just as well have been titled “The First AND ONLY …….