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The continuing Qatar saga


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The continuing Qatar saga


Posted By John Moore on 22nd May 2015


Ever since the QMSF was disbanded earlier this year and at the same time, the huge supporter of powerboat racing Sheikh Hassan stepped down as president, questions have been asked if Qatar will continue to play a role in powerboat racing.

We have heard from many sources that there are still individuals and companies with unpaid invoices for work undertaken for QMSF and that the new regime seems to be “slow” to deal with these issues.

Nauticpromo, a British based company headed up by Sian Holley, who promoted the Qatar J Hydro series have today issued a press release regarding their situation with Qatar.


We are sure that some of you out there have been hearing rumours about the demise of the Qatar Marine Sports Federation. Without going into to much detail the old organisation was merged with the Qatar Sailing federation to create a new organisation that encompasses all water sports in Qatar. Change is sometimes inevitable but it’s a shame that all the efforts of the team at QMSF, H.E. Sheikh Hassan and their various partners have been wasted in such a way. Qatar was leading the way in powerboat racing and developing at all levels.

The issue with the new organisation is not the path they have chosen to take but more the fact that they have chosen not to pay some of those that have supported them and dedicated so much of their time to helping them develop the sport of powerboat racing for Qatar. The new leaders of the organisation cannot be trusted, have chosen not to honour contracts, not pay debts and feel it is right to offer little response to emails, meetings or telephone calls.
Blastoff
We have a contract in place for junior racing in Qatar. The first year was successfully completed and despite late payments we were paid in full. As with all multi year deals you build your financial plan and make investment based on the whole term. This contract was no exception and now we are in a position where we are not only disappointed that we can’t continue the progress made with junior racing but we are also massively out of pocket due to the refusal of QMSF ( Now QSWF) to honour their contracts and pay there bills. Its excuse after excuse with no sign of any payment.

We are not the only company in this position, I’m sure that over the coming weeks you will see more and more people coming forward to voice their disgust over the handling of this situation. QSWF have chosen not to solve this amicably. Is it unreasonable that due to their change in direction we should all be punished.
I’m sure plenty of you have read the stories about the FIFA world cup, the labour issues and Al Anabi racing. Most would think that its all blown out of proportion? well I assure you it is not.

We will be taking all necessary action to recover our debt but we want to make sure that no one else falls foul to a situation the same as ours. Think twice before doing business with the QSWF and other Qatari government organisations. Contracts mean nothing to them and they take great pleasure in belittling suppliers.
Members of our team have spent several years in the Middle East, We valued the exceptional manners, hospitality and genuine honesty of the majority of locals. Its such a shame that a few are hell bent on ruining that memory by acting in such an appalling manner.
I will close this statement by saying that H.E. Sheikh Hassan and his team have done all they can to help us work this out with the QSWF but the new ‘regime’ does not see the bigger picture and enjoys being in control. We have no respect for anyone of them and urge anyone seeking to do business with them to avoid it at all costs.


John Moore

John Moore served as the Cowes Classic Event Director for 4 years, this included running the 50th Anniversary Event back in 2010.



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Wobble

Imagine that!!!

Ksatt

ADRL still owes me money from 2010.

klaatutooyou

foxbat

writing is on the wall....