The PNPYO is expressing disappointment that the Minister of Tourism has chosen to characterize as “political” a legitimate question raised by the PNPYO in relation to the cost of promoting his presentation in the Sectoral Debate yesterday. PNPYO spokesman Mark Malabver said, “The Minister has totally avoided answering the question directly and his explanation that the expenditure was part of a marketing strategy to reach a global audience simply does not stand up to scrutiny.”

The PNPYO is repeating its call for the disclosure of the expenditure involved in this promotional exercise, which involved the live broadcast of his presentation on a number of radio stations. The PNPYO feels that the expenditure was unwarranted and unnecessary, given the available media channels that are already state funded. Mr. Malabver said, “The JIS through its website, which is accessible to a global audience carried the Minister’s presentation live, so there was no need to use taxpayers’ money for this.” The PNPYO is reminding the Minister that it will remain vigilant in ensuring that government resources are not wasted, particularly at a time when consumers are reeling under the burden of increasing food, petrol and transportation costs. 

Contact:
Mark Malabver
425-1210

Ricardo James

Acting General Secretary
412-2631

2008 May 15