The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

The letter writer, Blue and Khaki, in his letter “speed week – an insult to auto racing” might have been a little harsh in his criticism, however, certainly the taxpayers need to know certainly important issues. How much did the 2011 event cost? How much money possibly the event lost? After it was such an obvious flop why is Tourism going ahead with a repeat this year?

It is said that over $1,000,000 was put into the event last year and believe it or not it seems the ministry has so much money they are pouring a further $750,000 into it, many ask why? What we experienced last year was a glorified Motor Show with many elite cocktail parties. Now let’s deal with the venue – Minister Gray says Fish Fry operators collectively owe $500,000 in back rents so Ministry of Tourism do them a favour and put Speed Week there? How much is Fish Fry going to pay to get all this business? Surely not nothing? Boy that has to be crazy.

Blue and Khaki is right there is a big difference between the powerboats and Speed Week and you witnessed why last year. At powerboats thousands were on Potters Cay and lining the harbour to see and hear the roar and excitement and whether the police like it we could gamble on who was going to be the winner. I honestly can't see why the new government is putting more money as scarce as it is into this again. They need to explain the amounts paid in last year and how much the ministry lost or did they? Dreams are not good for the Treasury, it wants hard cash. Again? Not for me I can go on-line and get the thrill of what this event offers.

SEAN FERGUSON

Nassau,

September 20, 2012.