-Director Sirleaf Asserts
By T. Saye Goinleh
The Director for the Division of Motion Picture Review at the Ministry of Information Culture Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) Boakai Sirleaf has disclosed that his entity has been able to generate over LD350, 000.00 from video clubs, cinemas, play stations and other movie related activities in the country just within five months this year.
Director Sirleaf in an interview with the New Republic on Wednesday at his office on Capitol Hill said this amount has already been placed into the government’s revenue.
He clarified that the amount was only collected from video clubs and other centers only within the Monrovia areas, adding his team was contemplating on moving into the interior for similar ventures, but is faced with difficulties such as lack of logistics.
Director Sirleaf is meanwhile appealing for financial and logistical support to the Motion Picture Review Division which will enable it deploy a team of inspectors in the various counties to inspect video clubs, cinemas, play stations and other related areas in the leeward counties.
According to him, due to lack of support, the Division is finding it extremely tough to enforce the order that restricts video clubs, cinemas, play stations and others to place a ban on their operations before 2: 00pm from Monday to Friday except Sundays and holidays in the various counties.
He further explained that his inspectors are willing to move in the various counties to inspect these centers but cannot do so due to the lack of financial and logistical support. “When support is given we are prepared to raise more money for the national economy. All needed is logistics’’, Director Sirleaf assured.
The MICAT motion picture head has signaled a stern warning to owners and operators of these centers and those involved in related businesses in the country against screening movies during school hours. He said the decision is intended to avoid distracting children of school-going ages from focusing on their lessons.
He also disclosed that his division has already deployed inspectors in the fields who are currently enforcing this directive. Sirleaf has at the same time threatened to take drastic and administrative actions against anyone found in violation of the regulation.
He said the Government of Liberian attaches great importance to the education of the children of the country and as such; she will not allow anyone to do the contrary that will distract them from their learning process.
Comments are closed.