THE Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce has taken note, with disappointment, of the article in the Stabroek Newspapers, dated Monday, August 4th, 2014, captioned ‘Guyana Festival booths need more Work’.

On this note, the ministry would like to address several “concerns” raised in the article, first of which is the ‘seemingly flimsy nature’ of the infrastructure at the Stadium.

At this point it is important to recognise that the installation of relevant infrastructure at the venue is at phase one, which means that the framework to house the booths are being erected.
Subsequently, reinforcement works will be carried out once the framework has been set and exhibition spaces allocated, this is the second phase, following this, phase three will commence and this would entail the beautification of the entire area (painting, installing backdrops and props, etc).

The ministry would like to remind the public that preparation of the National Stadium for the Guyana Festival began a few days ago and this process will be completed in phases, therefore when Stabroek News reportedly visited the venue, phase one was in progress.

The article in the Stabroek News raised concerns of credibility and accuracy and reflected the sheer inability of the reporter and the editor to present the facts to the nation; the publication instead opted to distort the truth and mislead the populace.

Further, the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry would like to state unequivocally, that at no time did any Stabroek News Reporter or Editor attempt to make contact with the Hon. Tourism Minister, Irfaan Ali or any other Committee Member to address any of the purported concerns raised in the said article.

The claim that efforts to make contact failed and that calls were not returned are mischievous and is viewed as selfish on the part of the Publication.

With reference to the “damage on the tarmac” of the National Stadium, as is customary, the Tourism Ministry takes full responsibility of rectifying any disruption that may occur while infrastructure is being installed and hastens to assure that no permanent defacement has occurred.
At this juncture, the Tourism Ministry would like to express gratitude to all supporters, corporate sponsors and participants who have been working tirelessly to ensure that the Guyana Festival, to be opened a few days from now, is a success.

In recognition of the collective effort of all parties involved, participants, exhibitors and sponsors have been consulted with , regarding their level of participation and have been provided with the necessary space and support required during the Festival; the Surinamese owned Coney Island is no exception.

The space allocated for the Kids Zone which houses the Coney Island, was provided after extensive consultation with the operators over a prolonged period; following the general pattern, all of the rides are being assembled in phases and will be completely set up in time for the grand opening on August 8th.
The published article was filled with misleading photos, unsubstantiated content and was rife with bias reflecting non nationalistic, unpatriotic views.
The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce calls on the Stabroek Newspaper to adhere to the basic tenets of journalism and to embrace the practice of accurate reporting, after all, the Guyana Festival is a National event, isn’t it deserving of National support?

MINISTRY OF TOURISM, INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE