Lawyer demands tourism official withdraw claims in Moodfest controversy
Published:Monday | May 31, 2021 | 10:46 PM
Janet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Senior strategist in the Tourism Ministry Delano Seiveright is insisting that would-be patrons of Moodfest 2021 are certain to be scammed.
Moodfest is being advertised as a four-night, five-day international music festival from September 16-20, 2021 at the Grand Palladium Resort at Point, Hanover with some 30-plus acts billed to perform.
However, a statement by the hotel, has refuted any agreement with the event organisers for the hosting of any such parties.
Over the weekend, Seiveright, speaking on Sound Chat Radio accused promoters of using social media to advertise and collect money for all-inclusive parties on the island.
One organiser has also been advertising Royalton Trelawny, but Seiveright says neither of the two general managers at the resort has any knowledge of the events.
“People on social media believe the events are real and are putting money in…even though the hotels are saying nothing of the sort,” he told The Gleaner calling for the police to intervene.
Meanwhile, Moodfest organisers have taken issue with Seiveright's statements.
They have secured the services of attorney Jennifer Housen who has threatened to take action against Seiveright if he does not withdraw the statements.
Labelling Seiveright's statement as “false”, Housen in a letter to tourism minister Edmund Bartlett, said it has caused reputational harm and damage to her client.
She maintained that Seiveright's claim during the Sound Chat Radio interview was made without verifying the facts or without any attempt at verifying the truth.
Housen, says her clients have complied with all legal requirements.
“It is unacceptable to my clients,” she argued, warning that they will strenuously resist any attempt to retroactively bring pressure to bear, on anyone, to cause any adverse impact on their good name.
Last week, Rick's Café was ordered closed by the Ministry of Local Government for breaching the Disaster Risk Management Act after it hosted hundreds of guests at the Mocha Fest party.
The company's COVID-compliance certificate has also been withdrawn by the Tourism Product Development Company.
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