It was supposed to be one of the biggest urban pride events of the summer, Inferno Dominican Republic. Scheduled to kick off last Thursday, on August 29th, the event was abruptly cancelled for reasons during that time, were unknown. Some guest had already arrived a day in advance on Wednesday, August 28th, to allow themselves time to get settled before the festivities. Upon arrival in Punta Cana, they were shocked when the transportation that was included in the package deal was not there to take them to The informed that there were no reservations on file for them at The Melia Caribe Tropical.
After being alerted without proper notice by Inferno's founder Will Williams, that Inferno Dominican
Republic 2013 was cancelled, many of the patrons who planned on attending wondered what would become of the situation? Would they receive a refund? How? When? And what events were going on behind the scenes that caused the demise of one of this summers' most anticipated gay pride events?
Now in an exclusive interview with Funky Dineva, Will Williams, Darvin Williams, whatever you choose to call him, explains why the event was cancelled. He also reveals the exact moment when he knew that Inferno D.R. 2013 was not going to commence, addresses the rumors of him being in "hiding," people's perception of him being a shady businessman, and more.
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| Darvin Will Williams of Inferno |
Now in an exclusive interview with Funky Dineva, Will Williams, Darvin Williams, whatever you choose to call him, explains why the event was cancelled. He also reveals the exact moment when he knew that Inferno D.R. 2013 was not going to commence, addresses the rumors of him being in "hiding," people's perception of him being a shady businessman, and more.
FUNKY DINEVA: CAN YOU GIVE A DETAILED ACCOUNT OF WHAT ULTIMATELY HAPPEN THAT LED TO THE CANCELLATION OF INFERNO DR 2013?
WILL WILLIAMS: In a nutshell, the Melia decided at the very last minute that they would not move forward with Inferno DR even though the hotel had been paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in advance by our team. On the advice of my legal counsel, that’s about all that I can say at this point.
FD:WITH THE HOTEL REPORTING THE NECESSARY PAYMENTS NEEDED HAD NOT BEEN SECURED SOME TIME AGO, WHY DID THE CANCELLATION NOTICE COME AT THE 11TH HOUR?
WW: Until the 11th hour, we continued to work on an addendum to hash out contractual issues. With a 5-year history with this resort, I felt confident that we would be able to move forward. As a normal part of doing business, disputes and issues arise during contract negotiations. This has happened in previous years, with each side, Inferno DR and the Melia, taking exception with certain items raised in negotiations. However, in previous years we were always able to come to a formal agreement prior to the event. It was not until the hotel began charging guests that arrived early that I realized the situation was beyond resolution.
FD: AT WHAT POINT DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU WOULD HAVE TO CANCEL INFERNO?
WW: Wednesday, August 28, just moments before the cancellation notice was sent out. Inferno DR is the oldest of all the Inferno events and the only one marketed to the Black community. It is has been my baby. I would never do anything to harm or destroy it. I can attend Inferno Puerto Rico and go unnoticed. I can walk through an event in Montreal for Inferno Canada and no one knows who I am. With three annual international events, why would I intentionally destroy the one event where almost all of the attendees know me? More so, why would I destroy Inferno DR the very year my face is on the ad campaign? I just wouldn’t do that. I couldn’t. Furthermore, the attendees of Inferno DR are my friends. I know them and I care about them. At no time before August 28 did I think this would happen. I feel horrible about what occurred and I am sincerely doing all that I can to rectify the situation.
FD: WHERE WERE YOU?
WW: Before, during, and after the cancellation, the Inferno Dominican Republic team and I were at the company offices in Miami first trying to avert the crisis, then trying to manage it and we are still here trying to resolve it. Any rumors that I was anywhere but in our office are false and misleading.
FD: FROM THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN, DO YOU UNDERSTAND HOW THIS SITUATION LOOKS AND WHY SOME PEOPLE ARE NOW CONSIDERING [YOU] A SHADY BUSINESSMAN AND A THIEF?
WW: Absolutely I do and I don’t blame them. However, looking at it from the inside, I know that that is not at all true. I have heard it reported that the hotel cancelled the event months ago and sent guests emails stating that Inferno never confirmed reservations. If that were true, how did the hotel have welcome packets ready for every Inferno guest along with all of the decorations, dancers, djs, bartenders, staff, dance floors, security, meals, and alcohol for scheduled events? The answer is easy. It simply is NOT true.
FD: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE FACT THAT MANY PEOPLE FEEL THAT AS A RESULT OF INFERNO DR 2013, YOU HAVE DAMAGED THE CREDIBILITY OF BLACK GAY EVENT PROMOTERS AND THE PUBLIC'S WILLINGNESS TO TRUST THEM?
WW: That is a very real and heart-breaking reality and one that I regret. As a member of this community, I have heard about the mishaps of other events and the misfortunes that beset the travelers. Some of the comments that are most painful to me are those where patrons state that this has happened to them before. I want people to know that although this has happened, things were set up to minimize damage as much as possible. Inferno Dominican Republic and Worldwide Travel Partners are two separate companies, each with its own function, duties, employees, etc. Inferno Dominican Republic is in effect a tour operator responsible for setting up the event, booking talent, and all of the organization and logistics on the ground in the DR. Inferno contracts with Worldwide Travel to handle all customer calls, flight arrangements, and other service details. This was done intentionally because as a full service agency, Worldwide is able to sell airline tickets and travel insurance. These are things that a simple event or tour operator, including Inferno Dominican Republic, cannot do. Through the travel agency, Inferno Dominican Republic has been able to see to it that the clients are covered. I know of no other event that is doing this or has ever done this. So while this unfortunate cancellation of the event has occurred, we do have a pathway to recovery for our clients. I believe this is a step in the right direction and would encourage all tour operators of Black LGBT events to partner with an agency that they trust.
FD: WHAT IS IT THAT YOU WANT THE PEOPLE TO KNOW?
WW: I am accountable and I care. I care about the lives of everyone affected. I care about the reputation of both Inferno Dominican Republic and Worldwide Travel Partners. I care about the effect this will have on the Black LGBT travel industry. While I may not be having a chat with every blogger or putting out press releases every other hour, please know that I am doing everything in my power to get this resolved.
[READ THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW HERE]