‘Abandoned and deceived’ says production company in hit back against Sting 2024

Production company Clearsound Production Services Group Limited has hit back at the organiser of Sting 2024 stating that it failed to pay over millions and suggested that it operated in a way that breached their contract.

According to Clearsound, Sting claimed to have made a bank transfer of $6.5 million but from its own checks it appears that the sum was never paid.

The company outlined that the parties had an agreement for Sting to pay $8 million for its services, which include audio and visuals, lighting, power generation, roofing system, and pyrotechnics.

The sum was to be paid by December 22.

“Despite assurances and word-of-mouth promises, a total of only $1 million was received from Isaiah Laing, head of Supreme Promotions Ltd, organiser of Sting 2024, which was paid in three parts on December 22nd and December 23, 2024. The remaining $7 million was promised by December 24, 2024, but has not been deposited into our designated account,” said Clearsound.

"Our decision to mobilise without the full agreed payment, extending leniency based on our relationship with the promoter, contravenes our standard operating policies," it noted.

The company argued that it made every attempt to support the popular dancehall concert but had to walk away arising from non-payment and other issues.

READ: Production withdrawal halts Sting 2024

“We also received a photo of a purported RTGS transaction for $6.5 million. However, this amount remains outstanding, and we have gleaned information suggesting that the $6.5 million was never sent. It is important to note that this sum of $8 million does not constitute the total payment due for our services. Additional payment would have become due at sound check on December 26, 2024.”

It said the situation was further compounded by the fact that Clearsound was the only vendor at event for a show that was scheduled for today.

The company said it had to act in a way to protect its equipment given the security risk of being at a venue that lack infrastructure.

“Critical vendors, such as security personnel, fencing, lighting, and vending facilities, were absent from the site, posing significant risks to our operations…

“Our equipment was set up, and we were poised to deliver an extraordinary event, despite the chaotic circumstances of no parking lights, inadequate security, and other glaring logistical challenges. It is regrettable that on the night of December 25, 2024, with our equipment fully in place, the promoters abandoned the facility without arranging for security. As a result, Clearsound had to secure our equipment at our own expense, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the event despite these significant setbacks.”

Clearsound said in light of these unresolved financial issues and hazardous conditions, it issued a formal cease and desist order on all operations related to Sting 2024.

“Our decision was based on the necessity to ensure the safety and security of our team and equipment, which remains our top priority. Even so, the Operations Team had already completed 95% of the build. Our team and equipment remained on location until we received communication of the cancellation from the promoter. This demonstrates our unwavering commitment to support the promoter, even at the last minute.”

The company said this experience with Sting 2024 has left it “feeling abandoned, unsupported, thwarted, and deceived in our endeavours.”

"Despite our efforts, including several days of documented conversations, the lack of confirmed funds made it impossible to proceed with the event."

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