The Guyana Police Force yesterday confirmed that it would not be hosting its annual Old Year’s Night Ball this year, even as Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan said that he was unaware of any cancellation of the event.
Police Public Relations Officer Jairam Ramlakhan yesterday told Stabroek News that the ball has been cancelled. He said that no reason was given for the cancellation.
When Ramjattan was contacted, he said that he was unaware of the cancellation. “I don’t know anything about that…it is an annual event and will continue,” he said.
Guyana Defence Force sources also said they were informed that there would not be a ball for the army this year and no reason was cited.
Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency Joseph Harmon told Stabroek News yesterday that he is unaware of any cancellation of the event. He noted that publication of notices for the army’s ball would usually be made in the second week of December.
Two sources in the army that this newspaper spoke with said that they are pleased with the decision as payment for tickets, usually over $10,000 per person, was mandatory and is deducted from their salaries. In addition, all high ranking officers were required to attend because of the presence of the President.
