Isaiah Laing - Colin Hamilton

Sting promoter Isaiah Laing believes that the reason Sting seemed lacklustre this year was due to the anti-war climate caused by the 'gully-gaza' feud.

"The climate that Sting came into was not conducive to clashes, and I could understand the sentiment of artistes that I had paid to clash, deciding not to clash," said Laing.

The two main clashes promoted this year were that of Vybz Kartel and Bounty Killer, as well as Mr G and dancehall personality L.A. Lewis. The clash with Mr G and Lewis was evidently a dud, as Lewis decided not to show up at the venue. The more anticipated clash between Kartel and Killer was still being anticipated by Sting patrons, as Killer began his set with his single, Gun Nuh Stick.

But Bounty Killer soon gave clear indication in his set that no war would occur when during his performance he said, "All a di people who love Kartel gi mi dis (hand signal). All my fans love him but dem bex wit him ... Me wa kill Kartel ... Look how much years mi si down an mek Kartel a diss mi, so why Kartel fans no tell him low u daddy, him bad an madda dan everybody!"

disappointment

Only one clash, between Kiprich and General B would materialise for the entire event. Patrons who spoke to THE STAR expressed their disappointment in the event, mainly due to the lack of clashes. One such patron, suggested that the promoters should refund a portion of the tickets, as they did not get value for money.

"Me come all di way from Manchester fi see Teacha (Vybz Kartel) clash (Bounty) Killa an it come like mi waste mi time a come yah ... Sting come like joke ting da year ya," said Dwayne, the disgruntled patron.

When asked if he saw this year as a flop, Laing responded by saying, "Everything got broken down by the same climate I spoke of ... I will not pursue the matter of any of the artiste that did not clash, despite receiving payment, as I understand why they did not want to go against the words of our Prime Minister and other heads of government."

Laing added, however, that although it is too early to reveal what is in store for Sting 2010, he hinted at it, saying, "There will be a lot of changes coming to Sting for 2010, so just stay tuned to the papers and other media."