Dear Editor,
I am the artistic director of the Buxton Fusion School of Music.
It was after two stunning performances by the children of the school, one private and the other public, that I was asked by senior officials of NCN to have the children recorded for a television broadcast, bearing in mind that it was newsworthy, especially since this was the International Year of People of African Descent.
The officials made a clear arrangement with me for NCN to come to Buxton to do the recording of the children who, it should be known, have been walking some great distance twice a week in sun and rain to attend classes that have been ongoing for the last year and a half.
The children were as excited as children could be, “to be on television.” They were punctual, well attired and awaiting the NCN television crew. Alas, no crew turned up. This has happened not once but twice.
I rang NCN and spoke to one of the editors, who explained that there were other stories to be covered and personnel and cameras were not available. I inquired why did they not inform me earlier, to which she nonchalantly apologised, adding “don’t worry; we can do it another time.” To which I replied, “Don’t worry; there will not be another time.”
It must be remembered that these Buxton children come from a very sensitive area of Guyana, having lived through the recent trauma in the village and the backlands. They require even more than the usual commitment, trust and understanding that all children deserve. I promised the children that this behaviour by NCN would not be tolerated and any further collaboration with NCN would not be entertained. Luckily, they are no strangers to disappointment.
Yours faithfully,
Deo Persaud