Government taking legal action against travel agency in steel orchestra ticket fiasco
By Zaya Williams
The government of Antigua and Barbuda is planning to sue a travel agency after an unfortunate incident left the Hells Gate Steel Orchestra without tickets to attend Antigua & Barbuda Day celebrations in New York this month.
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission had entrusted a local travel agency with the task of providing per diem payments, arranging accommodation in New York, and obtaining tickets for the Hells Gate Steel Orchestra and other Carnival winners.
Upon arrival at the airport, the steelpan musicians were met with an unexpected and distressing situation – no flights had been arranged for them.
The incident sparked public outrage, with many residents accusing the government of deceit.
However, the ministry quickly denied these allegations, claiming that they too had been deceived. Festivals Minister Daryll Matthew gave an update, stating that the government is actively pursuing legal action through the police to recover the invested funds.
He emphasized the importance of rectifying the situation, saying, “Of course, we have taken legal action through the police and the matter is being pursued because we need to recover our funds.”
Matthew also revealed that an apology had been extended to the pan team for the unfortunate ordeal they had experienced.
This story was first published by Antigua News on September 23, 2023: antigua.news/2023/09/23/government-taking-legal-action-against-travel-agency-in-steel-orchestra-ticket-fiasco. © 2023 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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