…the National Cultural Centre replies to a letter by Gem Madhoo-Nascimento in the Kaieteur News

THE OPERATIONS of the National Cultural Centre(NCC) should always be treated with high regard, especially since it is one of the longest standing auditoriums that host cultural events. Like any other facility, the NCC also has its challenges, and these are recognised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport(MCYS), which has oversight for the institution.Regardless of the challenges, the National Cultural Centre must, and should always, be treated as a national institution.
The MCYS would like to acknowledge the comments made by Gem Madhoo-Nascimento in a letter dated January 15, 2013 in the Kaieteur News.
In her letter, Mrs. Madhoo-Nascimento noted the $80,000 charge for the use of the entire theatre however in all cases, when a producer who has a commercial production rents the theatre, rental is charged against the section of the theatre used. This is determined by the number of patrons who would have paid to see the production. For example, if a producer indicates that he/she is desirous of utilising the entire theatre and box office sales indicate that the production had attracted only 400 persons, the producer is charged for the recital hall instead of the entire theatre. The cost for the recital hall is $30,000.
With regard to the proceeds on ticket sales, the Cultural Centre charges producers 20% on ticket sales for amounts totalling $500,000 and above, and a 15% charge is attracted to proceeds $500,000 and below.
Importantly, before the proceeds are calculated for each show, the amount to be paid to GRA is deducted and proceeds are calculated on the balance.
In terms of tarmac security, the National Cultural Centre does not take responsibility for security of parking on the tarmac. At the producers’ meeting, which is held before any production the producer is advised that security for vehicles parked on the tarmac is their responsibility.
Further, like all of the public institutions, and some private, there are set dress codes that must be adhered to so as to maintain the integrity of the institution. The same applies to the National Cultural Centre.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport would like to assure, Mrs. Madhoo-Nascimento that steps are moving apace to rectify the challenges faced with the lighting and air conditioning systems at the NCC.
A sum of $12.4M has been set aside for the lighting system. That project would be executed by E-Homes (Guyana) Inc. Meanwhile, the engineer’s estimate for the air conditioning system is $56M, this contract has already been awarded.