National Events Department to be established – President

Following the mass of confusion that reigned during the rollout of activities for the 50th Independence

Anniversary celebrations, government has taken a decision to establish a National Events Department, a special agency which will be tasked with ensuring a smoother coordination and execution of major national events.

During the recent recording on ‘The Public Interest’ on Thursday, President David Granger confirmed that key stakeholders in Government agreed that such a department will prove to be necessary and beneficial, particularly in light of the shortcomings which prevailed during the Jubilee Anniversary celebrations.

“We have made moves. We learnt a lot of lessons from the Independence Anniversary celebrations…so we are looking at an agency which has the ability to coordinate the work of several ministries, a multiagency department,” Granger said.

He explained that it would be better to have one agency tasked with managing the activities of the respective agencies and ministries in relation to the planning, organising, and controlling stages of the event.

Earlier this month, reports surfaced of the idea to establish a National Events Department under the Ministry of the Presidency.

Reports indicate that the idea was first touted during a meeting between the President and several high-ranking officials, including Junior Education Minister with responsibility for Culture Youth and Sport, Nicolette Henry.

Henry was responsible for managing the activities for the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations but even while she hailed the events a success, many criticised her efforts, noting that there were many mishaps which plagued the national events.

One of the major disasters was the seating arrangements at the flag raising ceremony at D’Urban Park, which eventually led to Members of the Parliamentary of the Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), to leave the event early.

The Members of Parliament (MP) complained of being left standing for more than 15 minutes, awaiting proper seating and after no progress was made, they depart.

Criticisms were also levelled in relation to the decorations for the State Dinner, and the appropriateness of punching holes through the National Flag, the Golden Arrowhead.

Additionally, there were concerns about the aptness to use disposable dishes instead of silverware at the State Dinner.

Reports indicated that there were also seating arrangements issues at the State Dinner.