Dear Editor,
It is most shameful that the Ministry of Culture and Carifesta Secretariat have not paid for all services rendered for the Carifesta X events. At a time when Guyanese are struggling to make a living, pay very high bills, feed and clothe children, meet transportation costs, etc, they are expected to make even more sacrifices. If for unforeseen circumstances the event had been cancelled, it would have been understandable because of the costs incurred, but the event was a success. People gave of their best from their hearts, as we know Guyanese people do, so they deserve to be paid.
If the budget was exceeded, then transfer funds from another source. Those who worked for Carifesta X should not be made to suffer because of the incompetence of persons in charge. In every household one has to balance and work with a budget, so why wasn’t this done by the planning committee?
Please, stop making excuses and make the cheques available. There was no advance payment to some persons, like the junior drivers. These people reported to work from 7 am until after events closed, made several trips to and from the airport, paid for gasoline and other wear and tear vehicular costs without as much as a stipend.
My hat off to Mr Robinson; do keep up the fight until payments are made. It is time the authorities step up and pay up.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address
provided)
