Ebuzz News
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…”
Caribbean Buzz
$1 Million Up for Grabs In New Ultimate Soca Champions Competition.
Trinidad and Tobago is set to stage a revamped International Soca Monarch competition in what is now dubbed The Ultimate Soca Champion competition. The event’s final will be staged on Thursday, February 20th, with the semi final round set for Sunday, February 9th. The announcement was made earlier today by organisers, at a media conference held at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain.
The organisers said the competition will not be split into Groovy/Power categories, however they said there will be special prizes for Best Groovy Soca, Best Power Soca and People’s Champion, based on public votes.
The event will feature the Ultimate Soca Champion reality TV show which organizers say is aimed at giving viewers an intimate look into the competition. “We believe this will help our culture to reach international audiences when packaged properly,” the team said.
In-Person Auditions will take place on Saturday, January 25th, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Fernando Academy of the Performing Arts (SAPA). Regional/ International Artistes who are not in Trinidad and Tobago, are required to submit video auditions from January 20th at 8:00am to January 26th at 11:59pm.
“We aim to make this a production that captivates
audiences worldwide,” said Rome. “The Ultimate Soca Champion Competition will not only
elevate soca to international standards but also inspire the next generation of artistes.”
For registration, submission guidelines, and updates, visit ultimatesocachampion.com from Monday January 20th, or email ultimatesocachampion@gmail.com.
Music News
Problem Child, Bunji Garlin, Skinny Fabulous Ride New ‘Powerful’ Riddim. 47 Productions Eyes Road March.
There’s another big project coming out of Dwayne Bravo’s 47 Productions in Port-of-Spain, and just like the Pineapple Riddim last month, it features some big names in Soca music.
The Viking of Soca, Bunji Garlin, Grenada’s Skinny Banton, Skinny Fabulous and Problem Child- both St. Vincent and the Grenadines entertainers, grace the ‘Powerful Riddim’- described as a heart-pounding, adrenaline-packed Power Soca riddim that’s guaranteed to light up every fete the season, even with potential for the Road March.
Bunji Garlin deliver’s ‘On De Go’ – a high-octane single that celebrates vibes and undiluted energy, while on Skinny Fabulous’ ‘Like We Rich,’ elements of a grandeur lifestyle, inclusive of living large, partying hard and embracing the high life, are showcased in song. The Vincy BadBoy, Problem Child is also a part of this project with a track called, “Not Behaving,’ undeniably living up to his name. Other artistes on the riddim are Grenadian duo, Lil Natty and Thunda who share their energy with, ‘Wah Dis,” and skinny Banton with ‘Property.” Tommy Sanchez wraps it up, adding a fresh, new vibe with his single, ‘Bend.’
The riddim is being touted as the ultimate soundtrack for the road on Carnival Monday and Tuesday and comes just as Soca megastar, Machel Montano has released, ‘Pardy,’ already getting the nod of approval from die-hard Machel fans.
While the race to the annual Road March anthem of choice in still quite a distance away, several people have already begun the conversation about what’s best for the road. Mical Teja’s ‘Energy’ and ‘Higher Power’ offer masqueraders an infectious, positive energy for the road, while Bunji’s ‘Thousand’ hits hard, delivering high impact and bassy undercurrent that’s hard to ignore.
47 Productions has been strongly contending on the music scene in Trinidad and Tobago in recent years. This year’s Pineapple Riddim, which features, Machel Montano, Lyrikal, Patrice Roberts, Rupee and 47Ronzy, has been well received, with Machel Montano applauding Bravo’s consistency, even as someone invested behind the music scene. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this Carnival season while 47 Productions continues to create space for others to rise,” Bravo had said, at the launch of the riddim in December.
The “Powerful Riddim” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
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Music News1 week agoThe Power of People. Rae Credits Motto, Darryl Gervais for Her Rise in Soca. Delivers ‘Throw Waist.’
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Caribbean Buzz5 days ago$1 Million Up for Grabs In New Ultimate Soca Champions Competition.
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Music News5 days agoProblem Child, Bunji Garlin, Skinny Fabulous Ride New ‘Powerful’ Riddim. 47 Productions Eyes Road March.
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 .