Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally has confirmed that tickets for the Buju Banton concert, slated for Saturday at the National Stadium, are being distributed for free.
However, she denied the claim made by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo that government money was used for this initiative.
Ally could not say exactly how many tickets were bought. However, she was keen to note that absolutely no tax dollars were used for the purchases. Ally said that funds for the initiative were sourced from the People’s National Congress (PNC).
She said, “We believe it is a good opportunity for people generally to go to the Buju Banton show.”
It was Jagdeo who flagged this issue earlier today during his press conference held at his Church Street office. There, Jagdeo told media operatives that the government used $40M in taxpayers’ money to purchase tickets for the Buju Banton show, which is scheduled for May 25. However, he presented no evidence to prove same to the media.
Nevertheless, the PPP General Secretary claimed that these tickets will be used as part of APNU+AFC’s campaign to win over youths, but he insisted that this tactic will not work.
He also expressed the view that instead of spending taxpayers’ money in this manner, it could be used to address issues that are pressing in the social and health sector.
