But while the music and food festival has a budget of a cool three quarter million, the UDP pointed out that the budget for national celebrations is a mere fraction of that.
Their release states, quote, "The Carnival Road March is on life support this year with less than a handful of senior bands competing due to lack of funding. This event takes place in the slowest part of the tourism season and has the greatest potential for international marketing. Yet, the Government of Belize can only allocate a measly $20,000 towards our national cultural celebration….St. George's Caye Day Society is currently planning a food sale in an effort to finance the September 10th Parade. This event is also in the middle of the tourism slow season. Where is their $750,000?" End quote.
We asked the Minister about this - he wished them well:
Reporter
"I think the central focus of their press release was that $750K is going to this international music and food fest whereas the budget for the national committee for the events taking place in September is only $20,000 and they mentioned that the St. George's Caye parade they are trying to do a fundraiser. The UDP is saying where is their $750K for the national committee?"
Hon. Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism
"Well, I wish them well. This is a Belize Tourism Board initiative. The September Celebration is done by NICH. We will help them as much as possible, but I believe this will have long term impact, just like the St. Lucia Jazz Fest, just like Sun Fest in Jamaica and other music festivals all around the world. You have a big music festival in Croatia and all over the United States. You have a big one in Austin Texas - these things cost money and if you want to do it at a high level, you have to invest."
