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…”
Ebuzz News
Jamaica’s Mavado to Receive Lifetime Award at IRAWMA Awards This Year.
David Brooks, best known as dancehall artiste, Mavado is set to be honored at this year’s 43rd International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA) awards on May 17th, in South Florida. He’ll be presented with the Special Lifetime Achievement Award which represents a celebration of resilience, dominance and legacy.
In a statement, the organizers noted that Mavado is known for his unmistakeable voice, global influence and cultural impact. “Mavado has transcended borders, elevating Dancehall to international acclaim,” the statement reads.
In addition to this night of IRAWMA’s celebration of excellence in reggae and world music, globally renowned dancehall superstar, VYBZ Kartel tops the list of more than 150 nominees with 11 nods, and competing against himself in some of the categories, he is followed by Sean Paul and Shaggy with 8 nominations, each.
On the female side, Spice, Lila Ike, and Shenseea tied with 5 nominations each. Hosted by a dynamic lineup including Comedian Dufton Shepherd, Marcia Jackson, and Oliver Mair, the evening promises electrifying performances, unforgettable tributes, and a room filled with icons, tastemakers, and industry leaders.
In a show of gratitude for his conscious musical contribution, Gramps Morgan will be recognized for his song “People Like You,” highlighted as the most outstanding Spiritually Uplifting Song since the new Millennium.Gramps will join a distinguished class of honorees including Burning Spear, Wayne Armond, and Awilo Longomba—each representing excellence across genres and generations.
Caribbean Buzz
The Bar Is Being Set. Flowers All Inclusive to Up The Game in Point Fortin, This Weekend.
It’s a brand new concept being brought to life, in Point Fortin, however its impact, according to organizers, is already proving immense. The annual Point Fortin Borough celebrations, culminates this weekend and on Sunday, an event with a bigger purpose at heart, is anticipated to draw a massive crowd to fete, for the greater good.
Naya George and Anson George spoke exclusively with Ebuzztt.com ahead of the all inclusive experience. They’re excited to see their vision come to life. Anson, a well known name on the carnival and entertainment circuit, is known for his strong involvement in the BeachHouse Carnival brand. “It’s going to be on par with BeachHouse,” he assured, asserting ‘Flowers’ as the new ‘must attend’ fete in Borough Day festivities. “There are other events happening on Sunday in Point Fortin but there’s no other event of this caliber, happening,” said Anson, explaining that a few tickets are still available for those who still want to get in.
For Naya, the effort is less about business, and more about purpose. “We are partying with a purpose. We want to let people know that this isn’t just about feting. This is the only party that’s happening in Point Fortin that’s giving back to Point Fortin,” he explained, adding that proceeds will go toward investment in the young people. “The first set of projects will be at the Point Fortin West Secondary School where the event is being held. We are going to revitalize the sports programme, playing field restoration, sporting equipment and that kind of stuff, to ensure the youths have a place to find themselves in the area of sports. Flowers is the premiere fund raiser to do these things,” said George.
Set to welcome fete lovers from 5pm on Sunday at the Point Fortin West Secondary School, Flowers will feature a cast of talented artistes, inclusive of Nadia Batson and Lyrikal. “We want to raise fund in style and with high quality at heart, hence the reason the event’s caliber is high. This is going to be a first for Point Fortin,” said Naya George.
The Point Fortin Borough experience is widely attended, with a series of cultural events leading up to the weekend of excitement that is anticipated by locals and visitors alike, each year. “Flowers has set the tone for the Borough Day evolution I think,” said Naya George. “Fusion came to an end last night,” noted Anson. He said the cultural extravaganza, which was similar to Carnival’s Flava Village, was a huge success and noted the wide variety of cultural traditions, shared between April 25th and April 30th. “If people can jump on a plane to experience Grenada carnival, we are certain they can come from West and North Trinidad to enjoy the Point Fortin Borough activities,” said Anson, making it clear that ahead of the upcoming weekend, hotel and guest house occupancy is already high.
“Borough is like a second carnival,” said Anson. He said there are fetes happening throughout the day on Friday. “When you come, you get a taste of everything you get in carnival. You get the fetes, the all inclusive, the jouvert, the street food, the culture,” he highlighted, and this year, for the very first time, fans of culture, creativity and altruism, will fete with purpose at Flowers – a distinct, top tier, premium all inclusive experience in the heart of the borough.
Tickets for the event are available online at Stacy’s House Of Hair – Point Fortin, Atherley’s By The Park – San Fernando, Terminal 4 – Long Circular Mall and online at theticketgeneral.com.
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 .