Culture ministry drops appeal to contractors for Christmas party donations

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has decided to scrap a fund-raising drive by its social committee for a Christmas party, after concerns were raised about letters soliciting donations sent to contractors used by the ministry.

Minister Frank Anthony, who said he was unaware of the letters, told Stabroek News yesterday that there is enough cash in the ministry’s coffers and that soliciting funds poses dire “conflict of interest situations.”

“I want to make it quite clear that I was not aware of such a drive and want to say to any contractor who received such a