Video Shoot Angers Business Owners

Details

Tourism News

Friday, 18 May 2012 02:30

By Everton Barnes

Antigua St John's - The video shoot for a Malibu Rum commercial that involved the closure of a major street in St John’s on Thursday severely affected traffic, and angered some business owners.

The video shoot, co-ordinated by the Ministry of Tourism, employed over 100 locals as extras and with the production team. It required the closure of Long Street from 7 am Thursday.

Spokesman for the Ministry Gerry Daniel said Antigua's selection as the location for the video saw significant amounts of money being pumped into the local economy.

“They employed some 100 people to work as extras as well as an all-local team of make-up artistes," Daniel said. "Additionally, they rented lighting and other equipment from local suppliers. Even some technicians got jobs, and I was surprised at the level of skills that we have available here in Antigua."

The ministry is hoping that the video will provide significant exposure for Antigua & Barbuda when it is aired in the United States and other markets.

According to Daniel, a production team of 40 people arrived in Antigua for the shoot, and hotel owners, taxi drivers, and other vendors will benefit from their stay.

But that was little comfort for business owners on Long Street, where no parking was allowed. Motorists who ignored the signs had their vehicles towed by the police.

One businessman who was particularly peeved was owner of ANICOL Insurance Company Salem Khouly, who described the matter as "inconvenient and unfair to the businesses on Long Street". He said what annoyed him most was that none of the businesses was told about the video shoot ahead of time.

“For years, we have had no problems with funerals on Long Street; we have always collaborated. But when my father came to open up at 7:30 this morning, the street was already blocked off," he said. "He did not know what was happening, and up to now (mid-afternoon) no one has said a word to us, or any of the other businesses along the street."

Khouly, who has close ties with the governing UPP administration, said he called Commissioner of Police Vere Browne, and General Manager of the Transport Board Harry Josiah to complain.

“The commissioner told me he had a right to block off the street, but I am not satisfied with that," Khouly said. "I have been trying to reach the Prime Minister to lodge a formal complaint."

He said the organisers had a responsibility to inform the businesses on Long Street. Khouly added that the problem was compounded when he thought the production work was done, and parked on the street.



“The production people should be responsible for paying the tickets, as well as the towing charges for everybody who received a ticket today,” he said.

When told of Khouly’s comments, Daniel conceded that the notification did not take place, and offered an apology to businesses and individuals affected by the activity.

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