Nearly three months after organizers of Caribbean Muzik Festival postponed two of the planned events, organizers have yet to provide the government with a new date for the festival, according to Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe. The Ministry of Tourism spent $650,000 to sponsor the festival.

"I will invite the organizers to meet with me next week to agree to a date that will be included among other events now scheduled," Wilchcombe told The Nassau Guardian. "During our meeting before the holidays, the organizers set out to confirm a date with the artists who were contracted for the festival. We trust they have now completed that important component of the arrangement."

Asked whether he is concerned about the organizers reneging on the events and the terms of the ministry's sponsorship, Wilchcombe said, "I don't expect that from such distinguished men."

In December, Festival Director Desmond Edmonds said a new date for the festival will be announced within the "next few days". The update from Edmonds came weeks after organizers were expected to announce a new date for the events that were postponed in late October. At the time, organizers were still conferring with artists and confirming a venue, among other considerations.

The promoters of the festival initiated legal action in the U.S. against suppliers who allegedly defaulted on undertakings to supply stage and sound equipment, ultimately forcing the postponement of two of the festival's four events. The promoters want the return of money they allegedly paid the two companies.

A dancehall music night was set to take place at Arawak Cay on October 30, and major artists were due to perform on October 31 at the carnival site at the sports center. Two of the planned events took place on October 28 and 29, including a ceremony in Rawson Square commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Nassau Accord.

In a previous joint statement, the Ministry of Tourism and Caribbean Music Festival (2000) Ltd. said early dates in December were under discussion for the postponed events. According to that statement, serious difficulties were experienced that made it unwise to attempt to continue the festival. The festival's organizers have assured the public that "full restitution will be made on ticket purchases and vendors will be refunded fees paid and all contractual obligations will be met".

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