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Fay-Ann Lyons Says Tougher Legislation Needed In Wake Of Teenage Fatalities
Fay-Ann Lyons is never one to sweep an issue beneath the carpet. Today, we caught up with the Soca mom who sadly addressed the youth fatalities that struck her homeland of Trinidad and Tobago like a nightmare this past weekend. Eighteen year-old twin girls, Khadijah and Khertima Taylor were involved in a fatal accident, along with 19-year-old Kafiya Gill on Saturday morning at the Cross Crossing Exchange in the southern city of San Fernando. Lyons-Alvarez who is the mom of a four-year-old said her heart truly aches for the families of those killed but went on to say, “not only those families, but every family that has been affected by such a situation.”
Soca Star, Fay-Ann Lyons Alvarez
With a strong level of assertiveness, Lyons-Alvarez said it is always sad to lose a child, from the perspective of a parent. She noted that drunk driving doesn’t only lead to the possible death of the person who may be driving under the influence, but certainly the many others who may come into contact with that drunk driver. She was quick to highlight however that “intoxication” could also come as a result of sleep deprivation and the use of certain medication. “Certain types of medication could render a person incapable of operating a vehicle for hours but of course the most prevalent thing when it comes to intoxication is alcohol consumption,” she rationalized.
Lyons-Alvarez who does not consume alcohol said tougher legislation is really needed in Trinidad and Tobago. She also highlighted the need for better checks and balances when it comes to underage alcohol consumption. “One of the bigger issues to be looked at is not just driving drunk but also being underage and drinking and then getting behind a wheel,” she said.
Khadijah and Khertima Taylor. The twin girls died in a car accident on the weekend.
Pointing out that in certain US states bar owners and managers limit their customers’ alcohol intake, often offering to send them to their destinations via taxi instead of having them get behind the wheel, Fay-Ann said she could only hope that business owners here in Trinidad and Tobago, could be so mindful. “It takes a different type of businessman to take the safety and well being of their customers over the cash,” she said, adding that such an act is dependent solely on that business owner’s human nature. She noted that the ironic thing is that, that very customer that’s allowed to leave the bar or club driving under the influence, could very well be the same person that could hurt the bar owner or someone they know in a vehicular accident.
On the country’s Prime Minister’s indication that the state would pay for the funerals of the twin girls, Fay-Ann said she immediately questioned this and remains a bit puzzled on the issue. “I immediately questioned why the twin girls alone- why not the other victim?,” she said, before adding, “but then again, that’s really not the big issue and we have to be careful not to deviate from the real issue at hand. The issue is, how do we truly address the drunken driving…”
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‘I Am Legend’ Concert Promoter, Glenroy Watson Has Passed Away.
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Destra Delivers Powerfully at Reflections.
“If this sharing that I’m doing touches anyone, I’m truly grateful. None of us are perfect. Some days you’ll feel good, some days you won’t, but it’s all part of the journey. Sometimes what you’re looking for is right on the horizon, and the moment you give up, you miss it. If my testimony makes anyone feel something, then my work here is done.” – DESTRA GARCIA
Trinidad and Tobago received a musical showcase of spiritual awakening yet again this past Saturday, at Destra’s ‘Reflections: Sound. Spirit. Surrender.” The event took place at Queen’s Hall, St. Ann’s and proved to be a truly inspiring and uplifting musical experience.
From the onset, the show set a standard that fans of good music with powerful lyrics, would rave about for weeks. David Rudder – a cultural icon of Calypso music out of Trinidad and Tobago, welcomed the audience as he hit the stage first delivering the very fitting, ‘High Mas.’ It was a powerful blessing no doubt – something that would lead into a seamless spiritual production. He was subsequently joined on stage by Destra, something that created a full-circle moment that drew immediate emotion from the audience.
Known for her unmistakeable vocal ability, Destra took her audience on a carefully curated musical journey, opening her set with Free Again before transitioning into slowed-down, soul-stirring renditions of some of her most beloved songs, including Love Somebody and Fly and with each performance, she revealed a different layer of her artistry, offering vulnerability, reflection, and strength.
One of the night’s most touching highlights came as Garcia shared the stage with her daughter, Xaiya, for a heartfelt duet of The Prayer. Beginning at the piano, Xaiya gently set the tone before joining her mother in song, creating an intimate moment that resonated deeply with the audience.
The production, which was creatively directed by Zara Bartels and Isoke Edwards, also showcased the incredible talent of father and son pan duo Martin and De’jean Cain as well as the Maria Regina Grade School and St. Joseph’s Convent Port- of- Spain choirs, whose vibrant and polished performances brought a refreshing, youthful energy to the stage. Gospel artiste, Nisa joined Garcia for a powerful duet of Bridge Over Troubled Water. She also performed her original composition Make Me Over, adding another layer of spiritual depth to the evening.
As the show built toward its finale, Garcia delivered a commanding rendition of Ella Andall’s Bring Down the Power, followed by classic hymns including A Little More Oil in My Lamp. This climactic segment was elevated by the presence of traditional belle dancers and African drummers, creating a rich, cultural fusion that brought the audience to its feet. Beyond the performances, the overall production, brought to life through Bridgette Wilson’s choreography and Atiba Borde’s costuming, stood out for its seamless execution, immersive ambience, and thoughtful storytelling, reinforcing Reflections as more than just a concert, but a transformative experience.
Reflections certainly delivered a powerful blend of music, filled with deep messages and meaning. In what is a very spiritual season, Destra, through the delivery of ‘Reflections,’ has carved out a space for inspiration and connection within Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape – something that many would agree, is a necessity more than an option.
Leona
11th June 2013 at 4:35 PM
yes they are paying 4 the Gill family funeral to so both Taylor / gill will be taking care off i did the story
Leona
11th June 2013 at 4:37 PM
My heart go out to the both Families I know how it feel to loose a Child i Loose My Daughter in a accident She was Nine years Old .