Critics tell Browne his concert expenses do not add up and ask for evidence of tourism benefits

As Prime Minister Gaston Browne defends the hosting of the One
Nation Concert, many residents are rubbishing his claim that it will
generate more money than is being spent to stage the event.
 
Browne asserts that hosting the annual event, slated to take place in
January 2024, will bring tourism and cultural benefits.
He adds that the objective of the concert is to provide affordable
entertainment and national unity.

According to Browne, the concert – which is usually free to patrons
– is expected to cost the taxpayers EC$370,000.
 

But he expects that more than 10,000 young people will attend the
event, generating over $600,000 in taxes.
 
He claims that attendance at Caribbean Melting Pot, a staple show in
the Carnival celebrations, is low when compared to the One Nation
Concert, and more money is spent hosting it.

Browne also boasts that the concert will have a widespread
economic impact on various businesses. But many persons are
dismissing the prime minister’s claims as nonsense.
 
One critic says there is no way the Government could spend less
than a half-million dollars on this concert – and not in EC either, but
in United States currency.
 
Just to secure the attendance of some of Jamaica’s reggae artistes is
US$100,000, he says, and this is already more than half of the sum
that Browne says would be spent on the concert.
And with regard to the alleged economic impact and tourism
benefits, another critic is asking the prime minister what tourists
will be coming for this concert.
 
She notes that the performers cannot be considered “tourists” in this
capacity; and they and their entourage will not be spending a dime
here, since their airfare, accommodation, food, and transportation
will be paid for by local taxpayers.
  
While the event will take place during the peak of the tourism
season, other critics are challenging the prime minister to present
empirical data and prove that additional tourists or additional
activity has been generated because of this concert.
 

Residents also point to all the contestants, performers, and vendors
that are still owed from last Carnival.