Kareyce Fotso, Cameroonian artist
On her Facebook profile,the artist complained the disappearance of her FCFA 2 million bonus that she was to receive for winning the silver medal. Here is the story she tells:
Yesterday while singing for the Francophonie in Nantes. I thought, I can finally talk about this story. This is not for me to be paid, but just so that it does not happen to my younger ones I love my country and I live there. We can’t deny our mother just because she has leprosy, but we rather cure her.
In 2009, I represented Cameroon at the Francophonie Games. I won the silver medal in singing. The gold was won by Switzerland and bronze by Canada.
We were a hundred young Cameroonians to compete in several sports and cultural disciplines. In total 22 medals won thus two in culture. My friend Manfaus bronze medalist in sculpture and me.
From Cameroon, the Ministry of Sports who was head of the delegation promised each youth in competition:
3 000 000 for gold medal
2 000 000 for silver
1 000 000 for bronze.
Curiously the bonuses were distributed without me being invited. For months I did some laps at the Ministry of Sports to claim my reward. I have never received it till date. At the ministry of sports, in the beginning, it was “yes” we will find a solution. And then it became “no, go back and see the Ministry of Culture.”
For the child that I was. I felt frustrated to have like all other youth in competition served my country and at the moment of recognition, I was denied my reward. It was not even about the money at that time. I just wanted attention.
I poured all the tears of my body through cries. Also, I had a sprain during the final. I had the plaster foot and walked with crutches. Fortunately, my mother was with me to take care of me and comfort me.
Next, you have your friends of the quarter who saw you on TV, who read on the press that you received bonuses. They just past to say hello and hope for a little cash. And you, you may say that you received nothing. I’m not sure that anyone will believe you.
Please don’t do that again to the youths. You are killing their talents, you are destroying patriotism, you are swallowing the hopes, you are nourishing hatred, you are pushing us to exile. KF “
