Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

bMobile Reggae Sunsplash organisers say its not a matter of "if" but "when" their creditors will be paid the millions of dollars owed to them since the staging of the event early August.

The speculated amount owed is being termed by experts as the largest magnitude of loss experienced by the widest category of workers in the history of festivals in Jamaica.

Engineers, concessionaires, performers, security personnel, technicians and cleaners are among the group which has reportedly not been paid.

Wayne Sinclair, one of the organisers said he was not at liberty to discuss the specifics, and did not confirm or deny the estimated figure owed, neither would he state what the cost was to stage the event. Research has shown that expenses for the event's competitors, Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest, amounted to over $75 million.

However, Mr. Sinclair did admit owing his creditors. "And we are making every effort to settle. We have made in-roads and are talking to other stakeholders," he told The Gleaner.

Unexpected loss

According to him the revenue and sponsorship money was just not enough to offset the expenditure. "We never expected the kind of loss we experienced, but we are positive that we will get the money to pay the people, we are asking them to be patient," he reiterated.

Reports reaching The Gleaner are that over the four nights of the festival, some 9,000 people passed through the turnstiles at the gates; however, it is unknown how many from that total actually paid to attend the event.

The newspaper has learnt that a report was sent to title sponsors Cable and Wireless (C&WJ) in an effort to get a bail out, however, when The Gleaner contacted president of that company, Rodney Davis, to find out how much C&WJ would be willing to put up, his response was: "It would be irresponsible of me to answer your questions at this time. I suggest you contact the organisers."

In the meantime one of the contractors owed has reportedly been forced to seek a loan from the bank to pay his workers.