Explaining that the $650,000 the Ministry of Tourism provided as sponsorship money for the postponed Caribbean Muzik Festival has been "exhausted", festival director Desmond Edwards said yesterday the funds were used to pay all of the artists and their travel expenses, and "every penny has been documented".

Edwards, who was contacted for comment, was asked when organizers planned to hold the festival and what was the hold up. He said the organizers were waiting on Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe to speak on the matter. He explained that organizers have proposed a series of dates to host the event, but a date has yet to be approved.

"We have not been given the go ahead by the ministry to fit into their annual calendar," Edwards told The Nassau Guardian. "We proposed a series of dates. When the festival went down, we wanted to do it three weeks later."

It has been six months since the Caribbean Muzik Festival was scheduled to take place in New Providence.

Last November, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe said the organizers are obligated to return the sponsorship money if the festival is not held. But he said he did not think a date was stipulated in the contract with the organizers for when the festival must take place before the obligation to return the money kicks in.

In March, Wilchcombe said the festival had been rescheduled for early April, but April has come and gone.

"He (Wilchcombe) has a schedule of events," Edwards said. "He has to let us know if it is suitable."

Edwards said the organizers also need Wilchcombe to address the public statements he has made.

A letter the organizers' attorney Obi Pindling sent Wilchcombe on April 11, said: "As a result of statements attributed to you concerning the Caribbean Muzik Festival, as reported in The Nassau Guardian on March 29, 2016, that newspaper has forwarded to us certain questions.

"Before providing formal responses to those questions, our client would like to meet with you urgently to determine the way forward.

"Your most kind and urgent attention to this request will be greatly appreciated as our client feels that it is of critical importance to clarify the misperceptions which have arisen as a result of the aforementioned statements."

Acknowledging "this is an agreement where the country has partnered with us", Edwards said organizers hope to put the event on before October.

The festival committee has taken legal action in the United States against two Florida suppliers, claiming they forced the event to be postponed.

Asked about the action yesterday, Edwards said the committee is moving forward with the action and has sought local and international advice.

Royston Jones Jr., Guardian Staff Reporter

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