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Archived: Ian Pantin Breaks His Silence. Blames Fay-Ann Lyons For His "Dismissal"

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The saga continues today, one day after a media conference called by Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons and the Asylum band, to discuss the way forward following the very public announcement of former band manager, Ian Pantin’s elimination from the group. ETCETERABUZZ.COM, in our effort to bring you all the details, now delivers the very latest statement- from Mr. Pantin who suggests that the reason behind the entire fall out, was his decision to “drop” Fay-Ann from his management.

Lyons-Alvarez and her husband meanwhile, maintain that they will not allow this public break up to hinder the band’s overall progress. Efforts by ETCETERABUZZ.COM to contact Mr. Pantin for personal comment this morning proved futile.

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Ian Pantin says he is still holding on to hope.

Ian Pantin says he is still holding on to hope.

So I want to make this very clear Bunji Garlin fired me because I had enough of Fay- Ann dropped her from my management, we stopped talking and he felt he had to choose. As some of you may know by now, there was a press conference that was held by Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann at Capital Plaza Port of Spain yesterday, Thursday October 3 rd 2013. Where by Fay-Ann made a number of disparaging remarks related to my dismissal and termination of my management contract with Bunji Garlin, whom I have managed for over fifteen years.And though I have kept silent since my dismissal, her latest attempt to assassinate my character and cause me harm in an industry that I have earned my living for so long and where I will have to continue to do so after all this hullabaloo ends, I thought it best that I say my peace before it’s all to late for me.You may not know this, but a gentleman named Daryl Braxton and myself founded the band as a marketing strategy to assist in Bunji’s growth as an artist because back then he was not a household name yet.Neither was he in a financial position or had the management acumen to foster his career. Asylum or the then named Censation band, in those early years were simply earning nothing.So for Fay-Ann to imply that since 1999 I was acting spuriously is simply untruthful and remember as she rightly said, she only joined the band in 2009. As a matter of fact, allot that was said by her at the conference is filled with hot air, lies and half-truths. Two years ago Fay-Ann threw a party in my honor to recognize my hard work and dedication and tireless commitment for getting Asylum to be part of,and one of, the most elite Soca bands worldwide. There were no questions then over my management deeds and now suddenly there are?Though I would have preferred not to get into a he say she say battle with Fay-Ann its tough not to when she implies questionable accounting, no bank account and non payment to band members from receipt of deposits. I have a personal management agreement with Bunji Garlin; the proceeds from all contracts are held in trust for which he is a signatory to.

 
The band members are always paid for their contractual engagements, on a timely basis “ask them”. Other band expenses are then deducted, I am paid a commission and the rest of monies are handed to him for their care and that’s a very tidy sum. He is submitted monthly, quarterly and seasonal reports or as when requested from time to time.I wrote Bunji Garlin 2 weeks ago asking him to meet with me so that we could work through a number of outstanding matters including those funds that are held in trust, he replied verbally that he would think about it. I have not heard from him since. The remaining funds in trust does not cover the outstanding debts that are due to the band creditors so there is a net deficit which unfortunately I am once again financing like I have always done in the band’s time of need. So this brings me to the question that most of you may have and that is why was I fired? Why does she have this personal vendetta to tarnish my good name and character, which I have had for all of my life in this industry and others.A few moths ago I quietly dropped Fay-Ann from my management. I did so because she attempted to (1) renegotiate my income downward (2)there was a major difference in philosophy and (3) we had a break down in communication. This all suspiciously occurred just as I was successful in negotiating on behalf of Bunji Garlin 2 record label deals internationally, one in Europe and the other for the rest of the world. I would have earned a sizeable income for that, not to mention,endorsements and international touring.Approximately one month ago I received a telephone call from Bunji Garlin asking me to reignite my relationship with Fay-Ann and I declined. He told me there and then in that case, my services were no longer required and that he was terminating my tenure effective immediately. Please note that my management agreement with him ends February 28th 2014. And therefore my termination was premature.
 
So I want to make this very clear Bunji Garlin fired me because Ihad enough of Fay- Ann dropped her from my management, we stopped talking and he felt he had to choose. I received a formal letter of termination a few days later on Sept 10th indicating that as of October 10th my services would no longer be required, but that I must relinquish my duties with immediate effect i.e.stop dealing with all his business matters or other wise. The Jamaica show that she is referring to took place after I was fired.I want everyone to know that I have always held Bunji Garlin in the highest regard and that I had up and until now nothing but love, respect and admiration for him as an artist and a personal friend. I am god father to his only child and close to most members of his family.I know that at the press conference you saw most of the band members,they had already confided in me that they had no choice but to attend,because they were in fear of their jobs. I was told that Fay-Ann indicated that they needed to be present or otherwise they could be faced with disciplinary action. I wont call any names because they all need “ to eat a food”; they all have families to support.
 
This is a trying time for my family and I and all in the Asylum. I am stillholding onto hope, fruitlessly I hope not. I still believe that this mattercan be resolved amicably, especially if Fay-Ann who he loves so dearly,were absent from any future conversations we may have.

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Denise Belfon Thanks Drake’s ‘OVO’ Team for Inclusion of Her ‘Work’ on New Track.

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Canadian rapper, Drake is once again teaming up with Caribbean entertainers, delivering a brand new album called, ‘Maid of Honor,’ which is now available on all streaming platforms. It was one of three albums the artiste simultaneously dropped on May 15th – the other two being ICEMAN and HABIBTI.

Rapper, Drake has released three new albums simultaneously.

One of the singles on ‘Maid of Honor,’ called ‘BBW’ features the work of Trinidad and Tobago entertainer, Denise ‘Saucy Wow’ Belfon – her 1998 track, ‘Work.’

The lyrics, ‘Put Yuh Back in It’ became a trending expression on TikTok in 2020 when it became a challenge on the popular platform. That viral opportunity six years ago, led to the song’s resurgence and Belfon’s name being called by younger generations whose parents, aunts and uncles would’ve more than likely grown up on her music and performances in the Caribbean. Fast forward to 2026, and Belfon is once again enjoying a viral moment as news broke that her song had been sampled by Drake. “Everything is legitimate and I want to thank the team – Fabian Alfonso, a copyright specialist out of Trinidad and Tobago ; He was very instrumental in making this deal become reality, said Belfon in a chat with Ebuzztt, before expressing gratitude to several other instrumental people, and Drake’s OVO team.

In 2022, dancehall artiste, Shenseea and rapper, Megan Thee Stallion also sampled ‘Work’ on the single, ‘Lick.’ Belfon, who lives in New York, had, at that time, attended a release party at a nightclub in New York, where Shenseea acknowledged the Soca artiste’s influence on the new release.

The Maid of Honor album delivers 14 singles and added to T&T’s Denise Belfon, Jamaican artiste, Popcaan is also featured on a single called, ‘Amazing Shape.’

Denise Belfon’s personality and charisma has, for a very long time, made her a fan favorite in the Caribbean. A vocal powerhouse and unique stage performer, she has stood the test of time in the Soca music industry, having created massive soca anthems like ‘Work,’ ‘Wine and Bend Over’ and ‘Wining Queen’ among countless other flavorful singles.

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Caribbean Fashion Is A Big Deal. Designer, Ecliff Elie Expands With Women In Mind.

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Caribbean fashion is top tier. In a world of copy and paste designs, Caribbean brands like the incomparable Ecliff Elie, stand in a class of their own. Earlier this month, the menswear brand made a major announcement and whether you’ve heard or not, we’re here to tell you, this is huge.

The Ecliff Elie brand will now be delivering its seamless, tailored appeal to women. The brand is known for its precision tailoring and disciplined garment construction so with that at its foundation, women can now feel the complete effect of the Ecliff Elie touch. The company steps out into this aspect of its business after what it says has been years of delivering this service privately to women. Dubbed ‘Bespoke — Tailored for Women,’ Ecliff Elie is now offering the service, at scale.

The introduction reflects a focused extension of Elie’s established approach to tailoring – one built on proportion, control, and consistency. Each garment is developed through a guided process that considers posture, movement, and presence, ensuring that the final result aligns with how the individual operates and presents herself.

From custom blazers to trousers, skirts, and dresses, customers will now be able to get their custom designed Ecliff Elie apparel, through a consultation-led process where every decision—from cut to finish—is deliberate. The company says fabric selection will be approached with the same level of discipline, with materials chosen for structure, performance, and longevity, allowing each piece to maintain its standard over time.

“This is not a new direction,” Elie states. “It is a continuation of work I have done over time, now introduced with structure and clarity.”

With more than three decades of experience, Ecliff Elie has consistently positioned presentation as a defining factor in how individuals are perceived. His work has guided clients across industries to approach style as a matter of precision and intent rather than preference.

“When the garment is correct, everything changes,” he adds. “You move differently. You carry yourself differently. That is the standard.”

As more women continue to operate at the highest levels across business, leadership, and professional environments, the demand for tailoring that reflects both authority and individuality has grown. This offering responds to that shift with a process designed to deliver consistency, clarity, and control.

Through Bespoke — Tailored for Women, Ecliff Elie continues to refine his approach while maintaining a clear focus on craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a disciplined standard of execution.

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