Paul A. Reid Staff, Reporter
WESTERN BUREAU:
CHAIRMAN OF Summerfest Productions, the organisers of the annual music festival Reggae Sumfest, Robert Russell said he has not accepted a letter of resignation from executive director Johnny Gourzong.
Mr. Russell told The Gleaner this week that he received a letter of resignation from the board of Summerfest from Mr. Gourzong last week but informed him that he would not accept it. He said that he thought Mr. Gourzong had written the letter "out of a bit of frustration in the lack of commitment from sponsors and the Government's attitude towards the festival and said he (Gourzong) wished for a higher level of support."
Mr. Gourzong, he said, was a part of a meeting of the directors and shareholders which was held last week to review the 2000 festival and the letter of resignation was never brought up. He added that as far as he was concerned "the team was in place for next year's renewal".
The letter from Mr. Gourzong, Mr. Russell said, had not given a reason for his resignation but said simply that he could no longer continue as a director for Summerfest.
Mr. Gourzong was off the island on business and would not be returning before the weekend and could not be reached for comment.
Mr. Russell denied news reports that the eight-year-old festival was in trouble because of the resignation of Mr. Gourzong.
