The PNCR says it “takes exception” to the attempts by some members of ruling administration that imply that it was involved in the planting of an incendiary device that caused a fire at the National Cultural Centre (NCC).
In a press release party leader Robert Corbin said “this nonsense flies in the face of any logical analysis of the situation” and further that the NCC was the crown jewel in the strenuous activities undertaken by the party when it hosted the first Carifesta in 1972. Corbin said “only a twisted mind” would suggest that the PNCR would now seek to destroy what it had proudly created. On the other hand, the party said, “It was the PPP which led a sustained campaign to undermine and tarnish the cultural centre as a symbol of our national life.”
He said the party is relieved that the June 19 fire was quickly contained, that there was a minimum of damage and that no persons had been injured. Corbin said too that since the culture ministry had been fire-bombed the PNCR found it strange that the administration had not taken measures to increase security at main government buildings especially those slated to hosted activities for the festival. The party leader said too it was suspicious that only minor damage had been done at both locations and that “This circumstance might lead any intelligent Guyanese to believe that this is so because there is prior knowledge of the acts committed.” However, the PNCR said it condemns those who planted the device since such actions do not lend themselves to the peace and stability of the nation.
Meanwhile, at the weekly press briefing hosted at Congress Place, Corbin reiterated that the PNCR was not opposed to Carifesta which was initiated by the PNC administration, but it was opposed to the conditions under which it was being held given the recent increase in the cost of living. He said the government was using Carifesta as a smokescreen to cloud the serious issues affecting the nation.
In addition, he noted the lack of consultation by the government on the staging of the festival at a time when The Bahamas, which has a far better economy than Guyana, indicated that it could not host the event. Guyana, he said should have awaited its turn during which time the economic situation might have improved. Settling some of the country’s problems should have been a priority over spending $500 million on Carifesta he said, adding that he did not see any financial support on the part of the government for Guyfesta.
While the government contends that the PNCR does not want to participate in the festival, Corbin said that it had not been invited to any meeting in relation to planning the festival or to take part in any activities. He said when Carifesta was launched in Guyana recently he received his invitation 24 hours before the event was held.