Double pay for Cricket Carnival artistes- Pres. Ali announces

President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday announced that the government will double the payments for local artistes who performed at this year’s “One Guyana” Cricket Carnival shows as part of efforts to push local talent.

The Head of State, while addressing the artistes at the State House in Georgetown, highlighted that 89 local artistes performed in those shows at the inaugural Cricket Carnival hosted in September and October.

The concerts, in particular, netted about $6.9 million and the President said the entire sum was paid to the performers.

“After reviewing the entire Cricket Carnival and looking at ways in which we can further help you, I want to double what you get (so) the government is putting in a further $6.9 million,” the President said.

President Ali said this payment, which will see each performer getting between $100,000 to $300,000 more, is part of his government’s efforts to promote local talent. He also said it is part of plans to preserve Guyana’s culture and foster the development of country folk.

Artiste Drew Thoven was among those gathered at State House on Monday and he welcomed the announcement.

“I think this particular government has always had a keen understanding and keen focus on developing the arts in Guyana.

“… Overall, I think they did a very good thing and I look forward to more initiatives like this,” Thoven said.

Soca Queen Michelle ‘Big Red’ Nurse was keen on noting that the artistes needed the string of events created this year because they suffered tremendously during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the government pledging its support for the industry, she called on Guyanese to support their own.

“… we have to show them that support that we show our foreigners,” Nurse said.

Meanwhile, Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts eagerly awaits other opportunities for local artistes.

“I like the fact that the President is highly supportive of Guyanese artistes and creatives and what we are doing.

“….I’m looking forward to what he has in store because I think the Cricket Carnival season was really good for artistes,” she said.