“Payment for the paid service in question, for the Southwest Festival 2024, was carried out, in time, by the event promoter”, information provided to Lidador Notícias (LN) by the Communications and Public Relations Division (DCRP) of the General Command (CG) da GNR.
This year's edition of the Southwest Festival, organized by Música no Coração, managed by businessman Luís Montez, runs from 7 and 10 August, at Casa Branca Estate, in Zambujeira do Mar (Odemira), with the GNR operation starting on the day 03 August, Campsite opening date.
LN found out from a source at the Beja Territorial Command (CTBeja), on the Wednesday before the first concerts began, this sale had not yet taken place, and in view of the questions asked on Wednesday about “confirmation of payment of fees for “Operation Meo Sudoeste 2024”, by the organizing company”, the CTBeja commander “gave an order” that the matter not be addressed, even inside the command.
Last day 22 July, questions were put to the DCRP of the CG, four days later it was replied that: “the budget relating to the edition of the Southwest Festival 2024 has already been sent to the event promoter”, adding that “the National Republican Guard is waiting for the payment of the budget in question to be completed, which must happen within a period of three working days before the start of the event”, concluding that “through the Beja Territorial Command, has held meetings with the event organizers, having the same knowledge of the need to comply with the deadlines established by current legislation”, justified.
Delays in 2022 and 2023
The situation involving the lack of payment of Southwest Festival bonuses has been recurring, taking into account that the payment of security costs for editing 2022, was paid a few days before the start of the edition of 2023.
Last year's edition, which took place between 7 and 10 August, in Zambujeira do Mar (Odemira), increasing the debt to 60 thousand euros, it was only paid in December and then the GNR CG was heavily questioned.
Other cases in the region
There were other competitions held in 2023, in which the “pay before the event” rule was applied, This is what happened with the Alentejano Pork Fairs (24 a 26 March) and the Garvão Fair (12 a 14 May).
Volta a Portugal 2024
The cost of the security operation by the GNR Eventual Transit Detachment cost 108.000 euros, having the organization paid 70% of the value on the day 23 July and the remaining 30% six days later. To the aforementioned amount, it is important to add the costs of accommodation with breakfast and dinner included.
Teixeira Correia
(journalist)
