Press Release
The United Artists Bahamas Union (UABU) has officially launched its Benevolent Fund Committee, marking a significant step in strengthening long-term support for musicians, entertainers, and DJs across The Bahamas.
Founded three years ago to protect the rights and interests of Bahamian creatives in the music and entertainment industries, UABU has increasingly focused on the broader welfare needs of its members. The establishment of the Benevolent Fund reflects the union’s commitment to creating a structured safety net for creatives facing hardship, illness, or other unforeseen challenges.
UABU executives, working in collaboration with their umbrella body, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas Trade Union Congress (CBTUC), have held ongoing discussions with key government stakeholders to advance policies and legal frameworks aimed at safeguarding the rights, interests, and wellbeing of Bahamian creatives. These efforts, union leaders say, have underscored the urgent need for sustainable support mechanisms within the industry.
The newly established Benevolent Fund Committee is co-chaired by Stephen Greenslade and David “Funky D” Ferguson and includes a broad cross-section of industry representatives, among them Nicholas Jacques as the vice president; Fred Munnings as an advisor to the union, Arthur McDonald as a consultant; Isaiah Taylor as a trustee; Dennis Peterson; Anita Tynes; Charles Isaacs; Naomi Crawford; Ray Ewing; Michael Hanna, Val Richards, and more .
The fund will open with an initial contribution of $3,000, derived from a portion of union levies collected from the recent Bahamas Breeze Festival held at Atlantis Paradise Island. Going forward, UABU has committed to allocating a significant share of levies collected from foreign artists, acts, and associated personnel engaged in gainful employment in The Bahamas to the fund. Additional funding will be generated through two major annual fundraising events, including a musicians and entertainers gala ball and a Rake N Scrape concert.
When asked about the state of the music industry and the perceived need for the new fund, Funky D shared: “This benevolent fund is for when we get down. Like we have a lot of musicians who had operations or who passed away and didn’t have enough money to bury them. So, this, what we want to focus on is having safety net for musicians who are falling down or who need medical help. Because, you know, when you go to the bank, banks don’t lend musicians money.”
He continued sharing that part of the benevolent fund initiative is a burial society that would ensure artists dignity and a proper burial when passing on.
Continuing in that vein, union president Linc Scavella made note of the union’s contributions to the current art and culture revival we are seeing in the country.
When asked about reaching back to train younger artists in the business and revenue models of the entertainment industry, Scavella replied: “We as an organization have already been met with the present government while they were in opposition… so what you see on Gladstone Road with CAPAS. That was our plan, our idea.” He continued, “We appreciate what they’re doing but still we’re going to do what we have to do… and we are moving in the positive in 2026. We’re going to see some things that the other organization that has been around 75 years has not done.”
According to union officials, the Benevolent Fund will be used to provide assistance to musicians and entertainers facing distress and other life challenges. Plans are also underway for the fund to be professionally managed and invested through a reputable accounting firm, ensuring transparency, sustainability, and long-term impact.
UABU leadership described the launch as both a milestone for the union and a reaffirmation of its belief in the value, talent, and contribution of Bahamian creatives at home and abroad.
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