The Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee continues to be accused of failing to honour its debts, the latest allegations being levelled by frustrated Promoter, Paul A. Peart aka 'Gadiethz', who says he is owed now for almost two years. Photo: VINO/File

“I did all that work, put in an invoice only to be told that this invoice, it’s not ready,” Paul A. Peart said. Photo: Provided

Paul A. Peart also voiced concern over the fact that while he also promoted the Beres Hammond show that was hosted in November 2016, by KT Production, that entity too has also failed to pay him for that service rendered. Photo: Provided

‘Gadiethz’ in an interview with Virgin Islands News Online said “it’s almost two years now since I’m waiting on this money…I need the Festival and Fairs Committee to pay me.”

The Promoter revealed that the Committee contracted ‘Fresh Radio’ to do six months worth of promotion for them.

“One hour of the morning was dedicated towards the Soca Monarch, Festival and Fairs Committee and the Calypso Show,” he shared.

No Respect

He further revealed that after he honoured his end of the agreement, the Festival and Fairs Committee failed to compensate him for his work.

“I did all that work, put in an invoice only to be told that this invoice, it’s not ready,” Peart stated.

Venting his frustration, the Promoter said, “everybody is getting paid and it’s only right that my contribution for the years, not to mention the bill that is owed for is taken care of.”

He is adamant, “it shows that there is no compassion, no respect, no loyalty to people who help to put forward the better part of the Virgin Islands…And I really, really hope that I can get my money.”

“Nobody has contacted me,” he lamented.  

Peart also voiced concern over the fact that while he also promoted the Beres Hammond show that was hosted in November 2016, by KT Production, that entity too has also failed to pay him for that service rendered.

Committee Debts @ HoA

The matter of outstanding payments to be made by the VI Festival and Fairs Committee for services rendered, gained the attention of the House of Assembly (HoA) members, when the matter was raised by Opposition Leader, the Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) during the July 19, 2018, sitting.    

The VI Festival and Fairs Committee comes under the auspices of the Ministry for Education and Culture and according to subject Minister, the Honourable Myron V. Walywn (AL), the total amount still outstanding from  last year’s 2017 Festival Celebrations, is $4,671.00.

He said the amounts still owed were for DJ Services, Transportation services as well as for online advertisements and pageant decorations.

Peart aka ‘Gadiethz,’ was not identified among the list of persons owed by the VI Festival and Fairs Committee that was supplied by the Minister to the HoA.

Hon Walwyn, in seeking to explain the one year delay in making the payments, told HoA members “the invoices were submitted late and will be paid immediately once they are verified.”

According to Hon Walwyn, it is important to note the VI Festival and Fairs Committee “is a statutory body and does not have a heading in the Ministry’s budget…However, the outstanding balance will be paid from Head 25474039 Cultural Activities, Subhead 551323 Grants to Festival and Fairs.”