National broadcaster, Vanuatu Broadcasting & Television Corporation (VBTC) said it is delighted that Vanuatu will host the world-class musical act Kassav’.
Members of the Caribbean-based band are due to arrive in Port Vila today.
VBTC said it was disappointed to see misinformation being spread in bad faith on gossip pages on Facebook about the size and character of the Government of Vanuatu’s contribution to the event.
“We refute the accuracy of those social media reports and call for greater responsibility by owners of those media outlets.”
“The spreading of incorrect information, lack of credible sources and unwillingness to check information with multiple sources do a disservice to the people of Vanuatu, who deserve news they can trust. All users of social media should take care in believing or sharing gossip and hearsay,” the broadcaster said.
“No event of this size could go ahead in Port Vila without contributions from many sectors of our community, and VBTC is grateful for the generous support of our principal sponsors, the Government of Vanuatu and Telecom Vanuatu Limited as well as our associated sponsors, Port Vila Municipal Council, Splash Sodas, Airports Vanuatu Limited, The Grand Hotel, Pacific Supplies, Colorite Graphics, Pacific Group Limited, Atmosphere Tours Vanuatu, Vanuatu Post and Oceania.”
Some members of the public took to social media to question the government’s contribution towards the concert.
According to local media reports, the Prime Minister’s Office has refuted claims that it is funding the Kassav’ Concert.
The Prime Minister’s Office said any money to be spent must be approved by Parliament and the Vanuatu Parliament never approved any amount for the Kassav’ Concert.
VBTC said it is confident that the Kassav’ show will be a great success, and looks forward to seeing the audience and community at the show.
VBTC said it has received an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the initiative to bring Kassav’ to Port Vila for their first ever concert on Saturday, 5 October 2019.
Photo by Air Vanuatu. Caption:Members of the Kassav' band with Air Vanuatu crew members