SHAMAHAMBLES as touted carnival singer opts out

THE PUERTO RICAN reggae singer Don Omar, whose $267,000 contract for a one hour carnival performance has raised criticisms across the county, will not be appearing after all.

His “booking,” paid for by direct contact by the tourism authority (ATP) headed by Salomon Shamah, was highly touted at a press conference last week, and Shamah appeared on television to rebut criticism of the price which was initially listed as $250,000.

Local media produced figures to show that the amount was thre times the amount paid to him for previous appearances, including one in Miami.
On Monday, February 11 Don Omar said, he had no contract to appear at the Carnival on Tuesday
"This performer has not signed a contract to appear at the carnival and much less for the amount that is being talked about," said the artist through his official Facebook page, after Shamah announced that Don Omar had canceled the concert that was take place on the Cinta Costera
According to the ATP, the direct contract with Ashe Entertainment Group provided for full payment of $267,500, and a few days earlier the group was awarded another contract for  $100,000 for an electronic gig. Marlys Dominguez a Panamanian singer who appealed to the ATP for a $3,000 grant to represent Panama at the Vina Del Mar event in Chile, was turned down.
"In today’s sun today I'm on the same page as you .. no information about what happened and waiting for answers.” Don Omar wrote in facebook. “Mr. Juan Toro, who is the person who negotiated the business will have more details on the issue, "
He added: "I have no reason to give a rebuff to my fans but a job without a contract becomes a hobby … sorry bad timing.”
According to Shamah, Don Omar did not provide any justification for canceling the concert, however, said he is working hard to find an artist that is of the caliber or better than the Puerto Rican.
Alfredo Arias, a Show Pro representative, said that together with the head of the ATP "We are looking for an artist who can replace Don Omar"