Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Winston "Gypsy" Peters said yesterday that the era of "freeness" is long gone and people have to get accustomed to the word "pay". He made the point after touring the South Academy of the Performing Arts (SAPA) in San Fernando. He said the facility would soon be opened for business after the October 31 opening and people would have to pay to use it. "We have to get accustomed to the word pay in T&T because everybody wants everything for free. The era of "freeness" is long, long gone. We can't afford it."
He added: "We are operating on a deficit budget in this country, so we cannot afford everything for free." "We must bring back something to pay for the things you want." Peters said he would be seeking a more substantial allocation in the 20011/2012 fiscal package to continue programmes in his ministry. Included is the refurbishment of the Naparima Bowl, San Fernando. However, he cautioned that while he might be asking for a lot more, it may not necessarily be what he will get.
"That's another thing we have to get accustomed to. You don't always get what you ask for and you ask for things but what the economy can withstand is another story." He said he was impressed with the facility, which began construction by the Urban Development Company (Udecott) under the Patrick Manning administration at an initial cost of $243 million. He could not say what the total cost was to date, but noted the facility looked very nice.
