Just how much did Sunday’s convention cost? Public discussion has focused heavily on the money spent by both camps, with unofficial estimates placing the combined bill at more than a million dollars. PUP Chairman Henry Charles Usher acknowledges that political conventions are costly, but he strongly rejects claims that Sunday’s spending reached such an extraordinary figure.
Henry Charles Usher
Henry Charles Usher, Chairman, PUP
“I think that whenever you get into a convention there will be expenses you have to undertake. There are advertising expenses. Advertising on Channel 5 is very expensive. So, that takes a lot of resources to get done. You have banners, workers, the logistics of the day in terms of bringing out the delegates, having people assist you on the day, under your tent, greeters etc. So, getting into politics is an expensive endeavor and you need resources to get it done.”
Paul Lopez
“The spending we receive report of at least a million dollars and some people quote higher.”
Henry Charles
“I think you guys are exaggerating. I don’t see that as being the case and certainly what we saw out there were people coming out to support candidates, support their team and these things cost money.’
On Sunday, Minister Kareem Musa says exorbitant election spending will only end with campaign finance legislation that he hopes will be drafted by the end of the year.
Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.
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