Ebuzz News
State of Emergency Declared in Trinidad and Tobago Two Days Before The New Year.
Two days before the New Year, Trinidad and Tobago’s President, Christine Kangaloo has declared a state of emergency.
The announcement came on Monday, December 30th, just days after the Prime Minister of the country expressed personal agony over the spate of violent crimes in the nation. To date, Trinidad and Tobago has recorded over 600 murders. This latest move by the President comes even as carnival celebrations, inclusive of a major Caribbean Festival event featuring Jamaican dancehall artiste, Vybz Kartel, are being planned.
On Friday, December 27th, Dr. Rowley said, “To those who know and are doing or saying nothing, stop normalizing criminal conduct in your social life and to those who share the proceeds of violent criminal conduct, stop encouraging or shielding your family members and friends who are engaging in criminal conduct.”
Dr. Rowley said the Government will continue to provide full support to the Police and other agencies, adding that stakeholders from the home to the courthouse are encouraged to provide no safe harbor and comfort to the criminal element “which believes that it can plan, execute and terrorize the nation with impunity.”
A State of Emergency can only legally last 15 days without Parliamentary approval. A motion must now be taken to Parliament and debated. As a result, there has been no explicit details on the matter of citizen restrictions.
Trinidad and Tobago, known to the world as the country of Steelpan, calypso and carnival, has been the topic of heavier discussion for many years, with many living overseas, continuously pointing out the serious crime problem. On Friday, Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley said, “To those in authority who are responsible for dispensing justice, stop pretending that criminals are the victims who deserve only mercy when by their heartless, lawless behaviour they are to receive firm punishment as prescribed by the law as enacted in anticipation to cover the various destabilizing practices.”
The Prime Minister said the Government does not believe that the nation cannot get the upper hand of criminal conduct, which has evolved to becoming a major public health issue at this time, adding that we will all need to do more and even do differently if we are to keep violent criminal conduct where it belongs.
The State of Emergency declaration by the President allows the State to curtail constitutional rights of citizens while at the same time guarding against human rights abuses. The state of emergency simply authorises a temporary restriction of human rights, with the consent of Parliament. Even where Parliament may authorise intrusions into those constitutional rights, the High Court maintains final oversight of the legality of any measure.
A press conference has been announced for 10am on Monday, December 30th.
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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