The politician with responsibility for arts and culture says the festival is important for the Island and the organisers Positiv should not be penalised by having to pay policing costs – as they would have to do in future if the Home Affairs Minister gets her way.
The States police had 57 officers at the festival, including nine from Devon and Cornwall who were flown over on standby and put up at the Savoy Hotel in case of major disorder.
The bill for bringing them over and for local overtime at the festival was £31,000, but the total would be much higher if the organisers had to pay all the wages – not just the overtime and travel costs – of those on duty.
Deputy Carolyn Labey has called next Monday’s meeting and has invited Senator Kinnard and police chief Graham Power to meet her, the organisers and Tourism officials.
She attended the festival and said it deserves the Island’s full support.
