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Minister calls for regulations for festival organizers

March 3, 2019 9:17 am

Local Government Minister Premila Kumar has called for changes to the conduct of festivals throughout the country.

Speaking at the Township Festival Meeting in Nadi yesterday, the Minister also highlighted that regulations will be put in place for more clarity on how festival funds are used.

She says this is to hold festival organizers to account meaning – they have to disclose how much money was collected and how that money will be used.

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She adds the only way to do this is through the Local Government Act, where a regulation must be introduced.

The Minister says currently, it’s just a framework – a policy which is being placed on the table for discussion.

However, in the near future the Minister says they want to convert this into a regulation where the accountability mechanism will be clearly stated and each and every committee that organizes festivals should be able to disclose it to the public, particularly public events.

Kumar also emphasized the public’s right to transparency calling on organizers to be more creative and innovative, and include a wider section of the community to exhibit their talents at festivals.

The Minister adds guidelines are necessary to oversee food security, games, amusement rides and general Occupational Health and Safety.