For probe into bribery charges levelled by organizers
TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Nuvem MLA and former tourism minister Francisco (Mickky) Pacheco has demanded that Sunburn festival should not be allowed since he alleged there was corruption.
Addressing a press conference Saturday, he quoted a text message sent to him by one of the Sunburn organizers that claimed that money had changed hands for permission (to hold the event) last year.
“A Sunburn organizer sent me a text message that government ripped him off last year to give permission for the event. I showed the message to chief minister and tourism minister,” he said.
Mickky demanded that the organisers should not be allowed to host their event till the bribery allegations leveled by them against the government are not cleared.
“Goa government should think twice before issuing licences… before allowing the event this time. The allegations leveled by the organizers should be probed,” he said.
Pacheco stated the organizers leveled allegations without any proof. “I am not against Sunburn but it is hurting that such allegations are leveled by the organizers who had even decided to pull out from Goa,” he added.
The MLA also alleged that organizers are making money by selling tickets online, although government is yet to decide on granting permission for holding the event and there is uncertainty on the venue.
Pacheco has decided to host electronic dance music fest labeled Goa Beach Grind at Betalbatim on December 27-29 as a direct competition to Sunburn. The dates were deliberately chosen to coincide with Sunburn festival. He claimed the Betalbatim show will have host international DJs playing EDM and have a rolling stage, for the first time ever in India.
“The show has been conceived to prove that Goans too can host much better international level events and are not dependent on others. Goa Beach Grind is focused on creating an event which will be truly of international class and style with mammoth sets and stage effects only seen on Broadway,” he said.
The festival is being held in South Goa to ensure there is not traffic congestion and will have parking arrangements for 7000-odd vehicles.
