The announcement by the Minister of Home Affairs that propagation of violence in music is not an acceptable form of entertainment in Guyana ought to be commended. This is a step in the right direction on the journey for clean, wholesome music on our airwaves. At the same time, the promoters of the Ignition concert should not be absolved of their civic responsibility for wholesome entertainment. In order to protect the citizen from arbitrariness and excesses of any group or individual an updated Public Entertainment Act is imperative.

In general terms, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, could well fill the lacuna for wholesome music with the promotion of musical concerts in the various genres. Our youths also need exposure to various musical instruments. We cannot afford to leave them with only popular forms –dancehall, reggae, rap and R&B—of music. Carifesta X is a good opportunity to showcase our young musicians in a classical concert.
ROXANNE MYERS