Tobago Jazz Experience still owes suppliers $6.4m

SUPPLIERS and other stakeholders who provided services for the Tobago Jazz Experience are still owed $6.4 million.

Tobago Festivals Commission Ltd CEO John Arnold revealed the figure on Wednesday during a virtual parliamentary joint select committee sitting on local authorities, service commissions and statutory authorities.

The sitting, chaired by independent senator Dr Varma Deyalsingh, examined the operations of the THA’s Divisions of Food Security, Natural Resources, the Environment and Sustainable Development and Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation.

At the sitting, JSC member Esmond Forde asked Arnold for an update on the stakeholders who are still owed payment from the $12 million the commission received to stage the Jazz Experience.

Arnold replied, “We have an outstanding (amount) of about $6.4 million. That has been identified because it is to be paid. The division, in collaboration with the Division of Finance, Trade and the Economy will address that in terms of having that paid. And we hope that that will be in a short manner.”

Arnold said of the $12 million, the commission got a release of $3.1 million.

“But we are awaiting the $6.4 million, which will take care of some of the outstanding payments that we have at this time.”