Guyana government supports Chris Brown concert with tax breaks, anti-violence activists cry foul

Guyanese social justice advocates reject the government’s support of Chris Brown concert.

According to Stabroek News

The government on Thursday announced that it will be giving tax breaks for the concert, which is organised by Hits & Jams Entertainment, and acting Minister of Tourism Irfaan Ali praised the expected appearance of Brown and said his presence at the concert will be a pull factor for persons to Guyana.

Some activists have argued that Chris Brown should be allowed to perform but the proceeds from the concert should go towards support mechanisms for survivors of intimate partner violence. Others recognise his “right” to perform in Guyana but question the use of tax payer dollars to support his performance.

Some activists have taken issue with the irony that the Chris Brown concert will coincide with 16 days of Activism Against Gender-based violence:

when Chris Brown arrogantly struts on to the stage in December, the nation – being led by the government – will just be wrapping up their annual 16-Day Campaign Against Violence, which begins on November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends on December 10, Human Rights Day,”

What do you think? Is the Guyana government misguided in supporting the Chris Brown concert?

Is the “decision to bring Chris Brown to entertain Guyana is a slap in the face to every single victim of
domestic violence in country”, as journalist & feminist activist Stella Ramsaroop described it?

Should the organisers of the concert use it as an activity to increase awareness about intimate partner violence and use the proceeds to lend tangible support to the fight against violence against women?

Reports of domestic violence in Guyana, as in many other parts of the region, are frequent and gruesome, with women making up the majority of intimate partner homicides (femicides). 

For an extended commentary on why Guyanese activists reject governments financial support of the Chris Brown concert please read Vidyaratha Kissoon’s letter to the editor.

Edited to add:  it has been reported that Chris Brown’s criminal record prevents him from working in the UK.