🎵 Ongoing disputes rattle Cayman Music and Entertainment Association

The Cayman Music and Entertainment Association (CMEA), a non-profit organisation designed to protect the interests of local musicians, has been experiencing ongoing disputes and allegations of mismanagement. The latest conflict revolves around the presidency, with five members claiming to have ousted the current president, Steve Errol Reid, over allegations of fraud and mismanagement. This follows a similar incident in March 2022, when then-president Jean-Eric “Notch” Smith was removed from office. The vote that elected Reid as his successor was also disputed. 🎤

Reid is now facing accusations of misusing CMEA funds and property and failing to hold any meetings since his disputed election. He has denied these allegations. The situation has led to a breakdown in communication among members and several resignations from the executive board. An extraordinary meeting was called last month, during which the board and president were voted out of office and a temporary executive was elected. However, Reid disputes the validity of this meeting, accusing the five members who called it of acting on behalf of Smith, the ex-president. 🎹

These five members have requested documentation relating to the association's dealings since March 2022, which they claim Reid has not provided. They have also raised concerns about the failure to call last year's annual general meeting, a breach of CMEA rules. Allegations have also been made that Reid purchased a van with the association's money without member consent, which Reid denies. The association, which manages stipends and grants given to local musicians by the government, is believed to have had around CI$30,000 in the bank in March 2022. However, members claim they have not had recent access to the accounts and are unsure of the current balance. 🎸