Advice awaiting Governor’s signature before payment can be made
Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications (MinTEATT) Hon. Romeo Pantophlet, confirmed on Thursday that the marketing funds for the Basketball Wives Wedding in the amount of US$95,000 has not been paid as yet and considering the on-going developments, the Minister has instructed to put said payments on hold until further notice.
The advice that was sent to the Governor’s Cabinet is still pending the Governor’s signature.
The Minister’s Cabinet received the following statement from the marketing firm Horizons Marketing Group who brought the wedding to Sint Maarten:
"I received your note about the concerns of the upcoming television production where St. Maarten will be featured in the wedding of Chad & Evelyn. While the media is printing a lot of different stories, we are in touch with the television Production Company and producers of the show who continue to work on a solution to this unfortunate incident.
"We have been assured that St. Maarten and the commitment that was made will remain intact while they work out the logistics with the couple. Please note that the show where Evelyn is featured Basketball Wives remains one of the highest rated reality shows and was not cancelled; therefore, we are confident that the issue will be resolved soon enough. The producers remain committed to broadcasting the terrific shots and imagery that they were able to capture in St. Maarten. I will keep you updated on this issue."
Minister Pantophlet would like an official statement from VH1 confirming that the show will still be aired and the commitment kept before any funds are disbursed to the marketing firm for its services.
The Marketing firm has been requested to get the aforementioned.
Minister Pantophlet still supports this initiative as it would provide great exposure to the destination, and considers it a good investment from hosting the wedding of Evelyn and Chad.
The airing of the wedding which includes highlights of the island, would generate US$5 million in media exposure which would normally costs US$600,000, as well as US$1 million in expenditures for the five days spent on the island by the 250 guests and TV crew for the wedding.
Minister Pantophlet assures the community that as additional information becomes available, the public will be updated.