The sound of cuatros, maracas and box bass may be missing this holiday season as the National Parang Association yesterday announced that all parang shows had been suspended. This is because of a delay in the distribution of funds to the association by the Ministry of Arts. Shows will remain suspended until the association receives funds.
Minister in the Ministry of Arts Lincoln Douglas, in a phone interview yesterday, said funds were still being processed and he was surprised the association would contact the media. “The money is still going through the system. I don’t feel there has been a delay. It is being processed. “I have been speaking to the association, even up to this morning (yesterday),” Douglas said.
In a news release, the association said its budget together with its audited financial statement was submitted to the ministry since April, immediately after its AGM on March 30. “We have received the Cabinet-approved subvention of $120,000 which is being used to defray operating expenses such as utility bills, office supplies and building maintenance.
“We met with the minister on October 16 and November 5 and he did promise that $500,000 would be given to the NPATT (National Parang Association) to assist with its Festival 2014. “To date we have not received the funds. He also attended the association’s General Meeting on November 9, at which he again reiterated his promise.”
The association said as the promised funds had not yet been received, NPATT’s executive took a decision to host small shows at its Arima headquarters on weekends in order to maintain a presence and offer some outlet for groups. “Each show was to feature four groups, and they and the sound system provider were assured that they would be paid when funds were received from the Government,” it said.
“To date we have hosted five such shows and the cumulative debt is now over $100,000. As of now, we have decided that all future shows will be suspended until the funds promised to us are received.” The executive said it had embarked on several events to raise funds, including a boat ride, a collaboration with the Patrons of Queen’s Hall and the Friday Night Parang Lime on the Friday closest to each month-end, since May.
“We are aware that the parang-loving people of T&T have been looking forward to the usual shows all over the country but the truth be told, this can only happen with the assistance of the Government and corporate citizens.”