KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government has made no commitment or payment toward appearance fees or any other fees for the proposed concert that was to feature American rapper Cardi B, the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport has clarified.

In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry said, the event was a private commercial engagement in which the Government was not involved.

“The Government of Jamaica made no commitment or payment towards appearance fees or any fees whatsoever, in relation to a proposed concert in Jamaica which was expected to feature  international recording artiste Cardi B,” the statement said.

READ: Cardi B threatens legal action against BZR WKND organisers

The ministry said Prime Minister Andrew Holness had already directed that, where possible, funds be reallocated to support recovery efforts, even before his recent directives on the reprioritisation of expenditure following Hurricane Melissa.

It said the Government reminds committed to supporting the growth of the entertainment and cultural industries, including initiatives that strengthen the country’s international profile, stimulate tourism and generate economic opportunities for Jamaicans.

However, it must limit expenditure on events, at this time as it priorities recovery and reconstruction.

The clarification comes amid a dispute between Cardi B and the organisers of BZR WKND following her withdrawal from the show, which was originally scheduled for October 16 to 18.