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Sunday, August 22, 2010

A Finance Melt-Down Forced Cancellation of Ottawa Reggae Festival's Final day

The final day of the Ottawa Reggae Festival had to be cancelled after organizer's finances seemed to have dried up.


Kymani Marley who was an headliner pulled out on Saturday. Police and law enforcement officers also stormed the gates to collect monies owed by court order.


An official statement was released Sunday night announcing the cancellation and placing blame on festival founder and president Benjamin Williams.


“In his role of festival president, Mr. Williams’ youth and inexperience caused him to make decisions that were ambitious, and ill advised. His financial decisions were made without consultation, and ended up costing the festival its’ reputation, and put him in ‘over his head,’” the release said.


Sean Paul who wasn't even in the city at the time was also scheduled to perform. Apparently after the deadline for deposit was extended, Paul’s booking agency, Headline Entertainment, didn’t feel the $50,000 performance fee would be met.


Anyone with tickets wanting a refund can call 613-315-4461 or e-mail info@ottawareggaefestival.com.


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