Dear Editor,
I felt compelled to respond to Hal Lewis's letter to the editor in the Observer 'Boycott the galas' published on June 12, 2015.
The writer stated that priorities are misplaced by spending funds "for trivial stuff like this". Now culture is an important part of any country's national development and identity; without it we are nothing, culture will always be part of life. The gala celebrations remind us where we are coming from in terms of Independence and Emancipation; it also provides inspiration for the path which lies ahead. The gala is entertaining and educational and provides employment to so many, not only in creative arts but in technical and production fields. The expenditure is, therefore, pumped right back into the economy and the country still benefits.
The budget on these types of events has already been cut back significantly, and funds spent on national celebrations cannot fund permanent salary increases for police or teachers, nor can they fix hospitals and roads. So let's not get confused thinking we're dipping into one budget at the expense of another.
To suggest eliminating cultural events such as galas is drastic and unnecessary, and it will have far-reaching negative effects. Think about it, would we also call for a cutback or boycott of sports?
P Chin
chin_p@yahoo.com
Galas can't fund salary increases
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I felt compelled to respond to Hal Lewis's letter to the editor in the Observer 'Boycott the galas' published on June 12, 2015.
The writer stated that priorities are misplaced by spending funds "for trivial stuff like this". Now culture is an important part of any country's national development and identity; without it we are nothing, culture will always be part of life. The gala celebrations remind us where we are coming from in terms of Independence and Emancipation; it also provides inspiration for the path which lies ahead. The gala is entertaining and educational and provides employment to so many, not only in creative arts but in technical and production fields. The expenditure is, therefore, pumped right back into the economy and the country still benefits.
The budget on these types of events has already been cut back significantly, and funds spent on national celebrations cannot fund permanent salary increases for police or teachers, nor can they fix hospitals and roads. So let's not get confused thinking we're dipping into one budget at the expense of another.
To suggest eliminating cultural events such as galas is drastic and unnecessary, and it will have far-reaching negative effects. Think about it, would we also call for a cutback or boycott of sports?
P Chin
chin_p@yahoo.com
Galas can't fund salary increases
-->