Opposition MP, Carl Greenidge, is questioning why the Guyana government is lending financial support to a concert set to feature Brown in Guyana on December 26th. Hits an Jams Promoter, Kerwin Bollers, is promoting the concert.
Greenidge, the shadow finance minister of the opposition, A Partnership for National Unity, (APNU), questioned the government’s financial and other involvement in the concert billed for the Guyana National Stadium after Guyana Tourism Minister, Irfaan Ali, restated that government would provide tax breaks in keeping with established procedures and policies.
Greenidge insisted on acquiring the details, adding: “I find it repugnant for the minister to be suggesting that someone who has been accused of certain acts would be given special treatment.”
But the Speaker of Guyana’s National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, intervened and prevented extensive mention on whether or not Brown’s domestic violence offense should be raised in the House.
“Chris Brown is not on trial or on trial in this House and those statements about his past, character or otherwise… those statements will not be allowed,” said Trotman.
Greenidge, however, argued that there needs to be a level playing field and cited government’s past refusal of dance hall star, Mavado, to perform here because he allegedly promoted violence. “We have to be clear as why some people are given tax breaks in certain circumstances that are problematic.”
Brown was convicted for the February 8, 2009 assault on his Bajan-born girlfriend, pop star Rihanna, and was sentenced to five years probation and more than 1,400 hours of community service. Reports now indicate the two may be back together.
