Unacceptable conditions at the National Cultural Centre

Aug 05, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
I would be grateful if you publish this letter on deplorable and disorganized behavior at the National Culture Center (NCC). Here is my experience at the NCC. On 31 July, there was a show to honor the Indian singers Mohamed Rafi, Mukesh and Kishore Kumar. I arrived at approximately 6:40 pm with my family for an advertised show at 7 pm. I noticed a long line and many people waiting to attend the show, so I joined it. After a few minutes, the line remained long and was extending almost to the vehicle entrance.
I had my son in my arms so we went to the entrance and engaged the attention of an usher (who looked like the head usher) and asked her when she was opening the doors so we can enter. Her response was; “we are having a meeting.” This was at 6:55pm and the tone and facial expression were a far cry of what I think an usher should be. I think their job is to smile and welcome you in a friendly tone, but the woman appeared confused, baffled and her rudeness long to Linden.
Her tone was unwelcomed. I tapped on the glass door to engage the people inside the air-conditioned lobby and Mr. Neeaz Subhan came to the door, so I asked him what was the delay for us to enter the hall since it’s now after 7 pm. He said he was trying his best, but that was not a good answer. Mr. Subhan is soliciting our patronage and as a patron banging on the doors and treated like a beggar and he trying his best. I paid $1500.00 for my ticket, adhered to the dress code yet have to bang on the doors. A security came to me and said they always start late.
After what appeared like chaos and confusion among the ushers and organizers the door was opened, tickets were verified and separated. While on our way to our seats another usher came in with a demanding tone saying, “let me see your ticket.” I told her I knew the location of my seats. She did not offer to direct us to our seat. This behavior reflects the deplorable attitude I want to emphasize.
After locating our seats we noticed many people trying to do the same. The row behind was Row D; a ticket holder was assigned a broken seat, so the management sold him a ticket for a broken seat. This is another example of insensitive behavior.
The show started after the scheduled time, and we were welcomed by the performers and Mr. Subhan. He apologized for the late start and delay at the door. This is now a regular acceptable occurrence at most functions in Guyana, and yet when we visit other countries and shows, we follow their rules and regulations, and we are bawling down for changes here and are breaking and ignoring our rules and regulations and expecting changes for the better.
The show was fine with lots of room for improvement. It highlighted the use of Facebook, bridging the gap between the old and the new. I agree that the media is a very powerful asset. You have to look back a few days ago at Turkey’s attempted coup and how the President used the media and regained his leadership. This example should be a lesson for all, so the local and visiting Guyanese who plan to check out a show here, and witness this ugly behavior should use their cell phones to highlight this deplorable behavior to let the world know what we are experiencing, and if you planning to visit Guyana you know what to expect.
Farhaud M Amin

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