St Vincent UN ambassador describes ordeal at hands of New York police
The permanent representative of St Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Nations, Camillo Gonsalves, has issued a statement in which he describes mistreatment and abuse he received earlier this week at the hands of New York City police officers.
The Permanent Mission of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Nations is located at 800 Second Avenue, New York and Gonsalves said he enters and exits those premises multiple times on each working day.
The building is also the home to many other diplomatic missions. The majority of the diplomatic missions in the building are members of the Commonwealth, with the notable exception of Israel.
“We enter the building by means of a common lobby and shared elevator system, through which we have access to our various permanent missions and office facilities,” Gonsalves explained.
The lobby of the building is staffed by unarmed personnel, who check the identification of visitors to the building, and determine who should gain access. The lobby is also staffed by Israeli security officials, who perform separate identification and safety checks on those individuals visiting the Permanent Mission of Israel.
Uniformed police officers of the New York Police Department (NYPD) are stationed outside of the building. The NYPD officers do not engage in checking the identification of people seeking to enter the building. There is usually one NYPD officer stationed in a permanent guard post directly in front of the building. One or two other officers traditionally patrol the city block on which the building is located.
On the outside of the building, the NYPD maintains stacks of metal barricades, which normally lean against concrete structures that line that particular sidewalk. The barriers are called into use whenever political demonstrations or protests take place outside of the building. In such instances, the barricades are erected on the opposite side of the street from the Permanent Mission to contain the demonstrators, and to keep the protestors from “disturbing the peace of the mission or impairment of its dignity,” as is mandated by Article 22 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961).
According to Gonsalves, ambassadors and other diplomatic staff, as well as delivery drivers, couriers, and pedestrians, regularly step between and around these metal rails when no demonstrations are taking place. It is the common practice for ambassadors and other diplomatic staff to be dropped off by their drivers directly in front of the building, and for those persons to step around/between the barricades, cross the sidewalk, and enter the building. The staff members of the Permanent Mission of Israel, as the largest diplomatic staff in the building, are probably the most frequent users of this particular mode of entry. However, all diplomatic staff frequently enter the building in this manner.
“Over the course of my four and one-half years as Permanent Representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Nations, I have regularly entered the building in this manner,” he pointed out.
On Wednesday, at about 2:45 pm, Gonsalves said he returned from a lunch with other diplomatic colleagues and, as is the custom, the official vehicle of the Permanent Mission of St Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Nations, which bears diplomatic licence plates, stopped directly in front of the building that houses the Permanent Mission.
Gonsalves then recounted the sequence of events.
“I exited the official vehicle in full view of the NYPD officer in the guard post, and began to walk to my office, while the staff member continued driving the car to its designated parking area. As usual, I stepped between the metal barricades, which were not linked together or otherwise connected, and continued towards the front door of my office building.
“After I had walked past the guard post located on the sidewalk, an NYPD officer emerged from the structure and shouted at me angrily.
“He said: ‘Hey you! You! What the hell do you think the Goddamn barricades are there for?’
“I was, quite frankly, shocked at the NYPD officer’s loud and angry outburst, both because of its hostile tone and the fact that, in over four years of entering the building in that manner, I had never been previously been subject to any comment whatsoever. I did not respond to the NYPD officer, and instead continued into the lobby of my office building.
“In the building, I was greeted by the unarmed personnel that supervise the entrance of visitors to the building. Since the building staff all know me very well (as they know all longstanding tenants of the building), they do not require me to produce identification to enter the building. I stopped to speak briefly with the individual on duty that day, a Caribbean national with whom I chat often.
“I was proceeding to the elevators when the NYPD officer that shouted at me earlier entered the building. He approached me from behind placed his hand on my neck and shoulder, and spun me around to face him. The officer, again angrily, shouted at me once more.
“He said: ‘You! Didn’t you see me talking to you outside?’
“I replied, in a calm voice, ‘You couldn’t have been talking to me.’
“The NYPD officer then responded, again with hostility: ‘Show me some ID right now!’
“I replied to the NYPD officer’s demand with a simple question: ‘Why? Am I under arrest?’”
Gonsalves said his question was based on the fact that (1) the officer had already grabbed him and spun him around, impeding his entry into his office; and (2) the NYPD officers stationed outside the building, to his knowledge, have never previously requested identification from any individual. The decision to check identification and to grant access to the elevators is made by the building personnel in the lobby, not the NYPD.
Gonsalves continued:
“As soon as I asked the NYPD officer why I was being asked to produce identification, and whether I was under arrest, he said, ‘You are now!’
“The NYPD officer, whose surname is Parker, and whose badge number is 21289, then produced his handcuffs and demanded that I place my hands behind my back. Aware of my rights under the relevant sections of the Vienna Convention, and aware of the fact that I had committed no criminal offence, I informed Officer Parker that I would not place my hands behind my back. Officer Parker proceeded to place his handcuff on my left wrist. I clasped my hands in front of me and stood perfectly still and rigid, as if at attention.
“Officer Parker then began to squeeze the handcuff tightly on my left wrist, in an attempt to yank my hands behind my back. He was unsuccessful in this effort. Officer Parker called for backup, and another one or two NYPD officers arrived in the lobby and began to manhandle me in an effort to handcuff me. I remained uncooperative, but peaceful. At some point I was struck or somehow bruised behind my right ear. There are minor abrasions in this area.
“The officers, collectively, managed to force my hands behind my back and to handcuff me. I was pulled to the side of the lobby, where Officer Parker informed me that he was getting a squad car to take me to the ‘17th Precinct.’”
Other ambassadors with permanent missions in the building, as well as other diplomatic staff, began to congregate in the lobby. They were shouting at the NYPD officers that they were at fault, that Gonsalves had done nothing wrong, and that they should not arrest and handcuff ambassadors. The persons gathered in the building lobby also stressed the number of times that very day that members of the Israeli Permanent Mission had entered and exited the building in that manner.
“Other officers on the scene began questioning me about what took place, and also asked me whether I worked in the building and in what capacity. I responded to them calmly and truthfully, despite the fact that I was under arrest and being questioned without having been informed of my ‘Miranda Rights’ as mandated by US law. Similarly, I had not been informed of the supposed ‘crime’ for which I was under arrest. The other officers persuaded Officer Parker not to place me in a squad car and instead to call his superior officer. My own staff, in turn, learned of my predicament and called the individuals in the United States State Department responsible for the interactions between Permanent Missions and the United States, our host country,” Gonsalves continued.
“As the crowd gathered, Officer Parker began to act in an uneasy manner. Apparently by way of post-hoc justification, Officer Parker said quietly to his fellow officers, but within my earshot: “I couldn’t let him just walk into the building. Look at him: he could be a terrorist.’”
After approximately 20 minutes in handcuffs, senior NYPD officers and US State department personnel arrived in the lobby. At that point, Gonsalves’ handcuffs were released, and he went upstairs to his office.
The lobby of the building in question is under 24-hour video surveillance. The Permanent Mission of St Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Nations is currently attempting to obtain the footage of the incident, which Gonsalves is confident will corroborate his account of his ordeal.
“The US State Department Personnel later joined me in my office to express their personal regret that the incident had taken place. They also said that the NYPD was considering issuing me a summons for disorderly conduct, which would require me to pay a fine. I informed them that I considered myself the victim of a police assault, and may pursue my own redress to that assault. Shortly thereafter, the State Department personnel informed me that the NYPD had decided not to issue any summons,” Gonsalves said.
“Later that day, I was contacted by the US State Department and reminded that, if I decide to pursue legal action for my assault, I would be waiving whatever jurisdictional immunities I possess as a diplomatic agent. I was informed that, if I contemplated legal action, I may become subject to a countersuit by the New York District Attorney. Responding to this, I told the State Department official that all of my legal and diplomatic options remain open at this point, and that I was unwilling to foreclose on any action under threat of counteraction,” he added.
On Wednesday night, Gonsalves said he visited the emergency room of the New York University Medical Center, which is located a short way from his office, where he was evaluated by Dr Heather Mahoney, who examined the following injuries:
1. Abrasions to the back of his head (and performed basic tests of balance and coordination)
2. Bruises on his wrists
3. Swelling and numbness in his left hand
4. Injuries to his left shoulder, which prevented a full range of motion in that joint.
Dr Mahoney ordered X-rays, which revealed no broken bones. She diagnosed Gonsalves with peripheral nerve damage in his left wrist and hand and possible strained ligaments in his left shoulder. In Dr Mahoney’s opinion, the damage should not be lasting. However, she indicated that he should see hand specialists and orthopedists if the hand and shoulder pain, respectively, does not dissipate within a week. He was also given a tetanus injection, due to the bruising on his wrists caused by the officer’s handcuffs.
The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations ensures that, at a minimum, any diplomatic agent enjoys “immunity from jurisdiction and inviolability in respect of official acts performed in the exercise of his functions.”
Article 29 of the Convention, which deals with the issue of “inviolability,” states: “The person of a diplomatic agent shall be inviolable. He shall not be liable to any form of arrest or detention. The receiving State shall treat him with due respect and shall take all appropriate steps to prevent any attack on his person, freedom or dignity.”
Article 22 states that the receiving state (in this case, the United States) “is under a special duty” to “prevent any disturbance of the peace of the diplomatic mission or impairment of its dignity.”
Included in the Agreement between the United Nations and the United States of America regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations, which was approved by the UN General Assembly on 31 October 1947, the United States is bound, to extend these privileges and immunities to Permanent Representatives of the United Nations, even in instances where the United States itself does not maintain diplomatic relations with the countries accredited to the United Nations.
Similarly, Article V of the 1946 Resolution 22(I), entitled “Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations” states “Persons accredited to the United Nations by Members as resident representatives and their staffs, whether residing inside or outside the zone, shall be recognized by the Government of the United States of America as entitled on its territory to the same privileges and immunities as that Government accords to the diplomatic envoys accredited to it, and the staffs of these envoys.”
By Caribbean News Now contributor
Man dies in petrol tanker explosion
A man was burnt to death Thursday night when a petroleum tanker, loaded with 10,000 litres of premium 87 gasoline, burst into flames after overturning along the Falmouth bypass in the vicinity of Martha Brae.
The deceased, who was a passenger in the ill-fated petrol tanker, has been identified as 29-year-old mechanic Leonard Stewart, also called 'Hummer', of Deeside in Trelawny, Jamaica.
The driver of the vehicle was rushed to the Falmouth Hospital then transferred to the Cornwall Regional Hospital where he was admitted in a stable condition.
The police reported that shortly after 11:00 Thursday night a Ford Sterling truck, registered CG 9967, was transporting petroleum from Kingston to Montego Bay, when one of the front tyres blew out, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle, which exploded after overturning.
The driver, who reportedly fell from the vehicle, failed in his attempt to remove his colleague who was pinned down in the cab of the truck due to the unbearable heat emitting from the fire which engulfed the entire vehicle.
Linton Gordon, acting divisional commander of the Falmouth Fire Department, said the fire was brought under control by 17 firefighters, using one unit each from Montego Bay Fire Brigade and the Falmouth Fire Brigade.
Gordon said the operation lasted for more than three hours, after which the badly burnt body of Stewart was removed from the truck by undertakers.
Residents, who live in close proximity to where the accident took place, told the Jamaica Observer that two loud explosions made them aware that something had gone wrong. The first blast was believed to be caused by the blowout of the truck's tyre and the other whenthe vehicle went up in flames.
Up to early yesterday morning scores of onlookers were seen staring in amazement at the burnt-out truck cab strewn to one side of the road and the frame of what was left of the tanker lying across the road. A thin puff of smoke rose from the mangled wreckage.
Jamaica Observer
NEW DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE SERVICES FOR RTCI POLICE
ROYAL Turks and Caicos Islands Police has appointed a new Director of Corporate Services.
Peter Davis, will take up the position early next month.
The 54-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the role, including previous postings in the Caribbean.
Davis, who holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, is the former business manager for the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS). He also served as a Detective Superintendent and Senior Investigating Officer for homicides and major crime in the Royal St Lucia Police Force.
An ex-British Criminal Investigations Division Detective Chief Inspector and Senior Investigating Officer, he has also worked for the UK Department for Business.
RTCI Police Commissioner, Colin Farquhar, said: “We are delighted to welcome Peter Davis. His appointment comes following an extensive recruitment process and his credentials and experience will prove a huge asset to the service.
“Peter’s background is highly impressive and his extensive corporate, business and police investigative experience in both the Caribbean and the UK will be a great asset to the RTCI Police.”
He added: “This is yet another clear indication of the positive steps being taken to ensure an efficient, productive and highly effective police service here in the TCI.”
Davis, who is married with two grown up daughters, boasts an impressive record of achievements during his distinguished career.
In the Cayman Islands, he was responsible for the latest RCIPS corporate strategy and business objectives, and was involved in developing key partnership agreements, budget control, and best value and fiscal control of the service for the Cayman Government.
In Lucia, he worked on the high-profile murder investigations of Patricia Lee and Laurent Moynaton, and also headed a host of successful major and serious crime investigations teams in the UK.
Davis said: “I am pleased to be joining the RTCI Police and look forward to the many challenges that lie ahead.”
FortisTCI Limited Gears Up For Annual Spring Fun Walk & Run
FortisTCI Ltd. is once again eager about bringing together the Turks and Caicos Islands community for a healthy experience at this year’s 4th Annual Spring Fun Walk & Run.
The event slated for Saturday March 31, 2012 will begin promptly at 6am with a new route leading off from the main offices on Leeward Highway.
CEO Eddinton Powell said “We encourage all of our employees to live healthy balanced lifestyles that comprise of a nutritious diet and regular exercise.” Powell continued by stating, “This occasion not only allows FortisTCI to extend that encouragement beyond our staff, but it also promotes family and friendship though a motivating morning exercise.”
Each year those registered are provided with an event T-shirt and entered into a raffle for the grand prize. Sticking with the theme of healthy living, this year’s grand prize winner will walk away with their very own Wii Fit game console to continue daily workouts at home. Other prizes will be presented to the first male, female and FortisTCI employee to complete the route and the group with the most participants.
There will be lots of other giveaways as well and hot breakfast served at the finish line.
FortisTCI has made the event free to the public, however those interested in taking part are asked to register early to ensure availability of T-shirts.
BOYLE REVEALS SEVERANCE PAKAGES ON EXPRESSIONS
Patrick Boyle, Chief Executive, TCI Government, said in a release to RTC News: “On behalf of His Excellency the Governor and I, I would like to take this opportunity to thanks everyone who has volunteered to leave public life at this time for their service to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and wish them the very best for the future.
“Over the course of the past few weeks I have spoken to many civil servants who have told me about their new exciting plans for the future and see this as a real opportunity to take a new direction in their lives, whether retraining, re-entering education, setting up in business for themselves, or using their compensation to change their pace of life.
“Civil Service reform still continues and the five Permanent Secretaries and I are working hard to set up the new Ministries which will seek to continue to improve public services across the Islands.”
This following a recent sit down with RTC's Robert Hall for Expressions. Mr.Boyle revealed the following stats of the severance package to the Nation through Expressions.
- Budget for administering scheme, including payments to applicants, $8.3m
- 700 expressions of interest received, who all received quotes
- 500 people applied to go (both salaried and weekly paid)
- 399 severance proposals accepted – 134 rejected
- Salaried staff – 186 accepted, 60 applications rejected
- Weekly paid staff – 213 accepted, 74 rejected
- $7.8m paid to staff whose applications were accepted
- receiving an average of $19,548 per head
- highest amount received was $194,000, the smallest $975
- 399 severance proposals accepted – 134 rejected
NHIB, Ordinance Changes &FAQs
Changes to the National Health Insurance Plan Ordinance have brought about fruitful meetings and intriguing exchanges with stakeholders of the health care plan, nationwide. The executive team has compiled a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions, (FAQs) which have been addressed during these sessions and which offer an insight and clearer understanding of the changes and how they impact individuals, households and businesses.
In many households, there are two working parents. The NHIB has found parents want to know who is responsible for registering dependents as defined in the Ordinance. While the ultimate decision on which parent will do this is a personal one, we can confirm that only one parent has to register the dependants.
A: Only one parent has to register children/dependants. The form can be downloaded from the NHIB website, completed and presented with requisite documents to your employer who will begin deductions for up to three children/dependents per family.
Some people were uncertain about who falls into the category of dependant; we were happy to clarify this question.
A: A dependant is your child or children up to 18 years old, and can also be your child or children up to 25 years old who is enrolled full time in tertiary level educational facility, i.e., college. A dependant is also considered an individual whom you have adopted or have legal guardianship to who falls within the above described age perimeters and situations.
The new ordinance says that at least three dependants have to be paid for by a parent, but does this mean your other dependants are not covered in your health plan.
A: Once a parent is paying for at least three children/dependants per family, the remaining children/dependents will be covered by the plan. However, all children must be listed on the application in the registration process.
There were a myriad of questions coming from employers who want to better understand their role since the amendments. One FAQ is, “As an employer, am I obligated to also make a co-pay for my employees’ children?”
A: No, parents should pay the full amount of $10 each for their own children/dependants. However, as an employer, you are obligated to make the deduction for payment to the NHIB.
The issue of contributors who have multiple jobs is always a headlining issue at this scheduled meetings at places of employment, therefore it was no surprise when the question popped up.
Q: What if I have a second or third job, do I also pay for my children/dependants again?
A: No, as the parent taking on the responsibility to pay, you are required to pay only once at your main employer.
We recognize, at NHIB, that there is always the potential for contributors to find ways to avoid meeting that monthly payment. However, we strongly advise against it and we encourage parents to take the responsibility to ensure children are protected by this generous and affordable health care plan. Remember, unregistered dependants will be charged the full costs of medical care and will not be able to access benefits which come only for contributors to the plan.
Other FAQs are…
Q: I have heard that there is a new minimum monthly contribution to the plan, is this true?
A: Yes, this is true. It is now expected that every worker in the country will make a minimum contribution of $50 share; $25 by the employer and $25 by employee.
Q: I am already paying NHIB at one job; do I still have to pay at the other?
A: Yes, contributions are due from all jobs that one may have. The contribution rate is 6% p3r month, shared with 3% by the Employer and 3% by the Employee paid up to an income ceiling of $7,800. The minimum contribution for NHIB is $50 per month. .
Q: What if I am on vacation and away from the TCI, do I still have to make NHIB payments?
A: Yes, as long as you remain employed in the Turks and Caicos, you are required to continue payments as usual. In you absence, these would come from your vacation pay.
Q: What happens if I do not register my children/dependants in time?
A: Due to the amendments in the ordinance; all children/dependants are required to be registered and a payment of $10 per dependent/child up to three per family is expected. Failing to register your children/dependants will result in them being medically terminated from the NHIB plan. Parents are encouraged to register children/dependants immediately.
In this challenging economic climate, there are always questions about how unemployment affects payment and access to the plan. We have found these query to be leading concerns.
Q: If my wife is not working will she be covered by my personal payments to the plan?
A: Yes you can pay, but there is a spousal rate for your unemployed wife of $25 per month. As long as you have registered your wife as your spouse, which means you are legally married, (as this rule does not apply to common law marriage) and are paying the requisite $25 per month… your wife, and any spouse (i.e., husband) is covered.
Q: What if I am terminated from job, would I still be covered and expected to pay NHIB?
A: If you are terminated from your job,. there is provision for coverage to continue up to 90 days. However, one must file unemployment with the Labour Department and the NHIB. The NHIB gives you one month to make it aware of job termination in order for you to qualify.
The Turks and Caicos is also home to a robust ex-patriot labour force, so the NHIB has found many questions coming from the holders of work permits including what do I need to do to ensure I am registered with the NHIB?
A: All contributing legal work permit holders are covered under the plan. NHIB also advises this category of employees to move quickly to renew work permits long before they expire; 90 days prior to expiration is stated in the ordinance. NHIB is required to only permit legal workers into the plan.
The lading question, which has actually giving the NHIB the opportunity to explain the changes and the plan to employers and their employees is whether we would come in to address concerns? The answer is a resounding, “Yes! The NHIB has been and is prepared to be guests at meetings with companies to spell out and respond to queries on the plan and the recent amendments.
In giving the FAQs and their answers, Zaneta Burton, CEO of the National Health Insurance Board said: “The NHIB is an important partnership between contributors, the government and the public and it will be around for a very long time. The funds contributed keep this private public partnership going and ensures there is quality, accessible, affordable health care for all.”
Baby Mama Says Jaleel White is a Low Down Dog; He Responds
Jaleel White’s sparkly clean image is in the midst of being ruined by his ex.
The mother of his child is coming out with what she alleges to be the truth about the man. She told the press he used to beat her and cheat on her.
Bridget Hardy, who hasn’t been very public about anything the two had or what they have together, told Star magazine that he’s got a different and very ugly side.
“He blew up,” she told Star about a fight the couple had after she confronted Jaleel over evidence of cheating she says she found on his phone in May 25, 2010. “He hit me across the chest area,” she said.
But it doesn’t stop there.
“He pushed me into the toilet, and it broke. Water went everywhere, through the walls and even to the kitchen downstairs,” she says.
On top of all that, she claims he was verbally and emotionally abusive and called her white trash. She also said he offered her $200,000 to leave their daughter with him while she starts her own family.
But she also admitted White tried to cover up their pregnancy to protect his image. He wasn’t ready to be in a committed relationship Hardy explained.
The actor has responded to the allegations, which he claims are “hurtful” lies stemming from a “malicious police report” filed in connection with a bitter child custody dispute.
He says, “When you’re doing well in life, it’s par for the course certain individuals will try and knock you down. When the individual is also the mother of your only child it is particularly hurtful…
“The allegations made against me back in 2010 have suspiciously resurfaced in time to coincide with my new show on Syfy and ‘Dancing With The Stars.’ Bridget Hardy has consistently shown a knack for timing throughout our child custody disputes.”
White is hoping to resolve the matter for the sake of his little girl, adding, “My only hope is that when my daughter Googles her parents one day in her future, she sees that her father acted with class and dignity when pressed to the fire.
“Bridget Hardy is the mother of my only daughter in this world and without Ms. Hardy I would not have the treasure that is my daughter… I can assure all of my fans this is only residue from a child custody matter.”
Michael Buble nominated for Sony radio award
Canadian singer Michael Buble has landed a Sony Radio Academy award nomination for his music show on Magic 105.4.
The singer will go up against Fearne Cotton - also a first-time nominee - for her BBC Radio 1 show.
Chris Evans will go head-to-head in the best breakfast show category with 5 live's early morning programme, last year's winner.
The winners are due to be announced at a ceremony in London on 14 May.
Buble also faces a challenge for best music programme from 6 Music's Steve Lamacq.
The singing star's three-month long series of weekly shows was broadcast on Magic at the end of last year.
In the specialist music category, Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood is nominated for his show on Absolute Radio.
The 64-year-old was named radio personality of the year in 2011.
This year's hopefuls for the prize are Radio 2 breakfast show host Chris Evans, Absolute Radio's Christian O'Connell and 6 Music's Lauren Laverne and Huey Morgan. Gemma Cairney from BBC Radio 1Xtra completes the shortlist.
In other major categories, 5 live colleagues Danny Baker and Richard Bacon are pitched against one another for speech radio personality of the year.
Evan Davis, one of the presenters of Radio 4's Today programme and Woman's Hour host Jenni Murray are among the shortlist for speech broadcaster of the year.
BBC Radio 2, 6 Music or Kerrang! Radio will ultimately be crowned UK station of the year.
This year's shortlist also includes BBC Radio Humberside's Betty and Beryl, who at 90 and 86 respectively become the oldest nominees in the academy's 30-year history.
The pair have made the entertainment award category for their regular appearances on David Reeves' show to discuss their week's activities.
They are up against more widely known radio personalities including Frank Skinner and Adam and Joe.
Popcaan hits US Billboard chart
Dancehall artiste Popcaan has once again tasted success with his Only Man She Want song debuting at # 89 on the R&B/HipHop Billboard charts.
Of the achievement, Popcaan told The STAR, "Entering the Billboard charts is a good achievement and also can help keep international focus on dancehall music. We are happy for this and grateful to all the fans and the industry people working to make it possible. We will keep making songs and work to build on all our success. Big up and respect to dancehall fans worldwide."
The STAR also spoke with the song's producer, Elvis Redwood and Johnny Wonder of Hapilos Entertainment, who were the distributors of the song, and they said they both had believed that it was only a matter of time before the song took off.
"Is a good feeling, as it was brought about by a combination of efforts from Vybz Kartel, Popcaan, So Unique Records and Hapilos Entertainment. I met Vybz Kartel, we had a long conversation and him seh mi a good producer and him ago give me the break," said Redwood.
Long time coming
According to Johnny Wonder, executive vice-president of Hapilos Entertainment, "We're proud of it (the song). It was a lot of hard work and it was a long time coming. Hot 97 took it up and pushed it and from there it started spreading to other stations like Power 105.
He added that the only regret he has is that Popcaan is not in the New York/Miami area to reinforce the song's success.
He said distributing and promoting the song was hard but worth it.
"You have to be maintaining things with the programme directors you know, communicating with them, and follow up on how well the record is doing. In the Caribbean core market, everybody already loved it so it was just to get it overseas," he said.
He compared its success to Gyptian's international hit, Hold Yuh, which earned a remix from superstar Nicki Minaj, saying that both took a while to finally bloom.
"It came out a long time ago and now it has finally blossomed. It has a whole new life in this region now, although people in Jamaica may say its old there. It came out in August and eight months later here it is. Hold Yuh took 18 months before it went big," said Johnny Wonder.
Star
Konshens to perform in Tobago
Mackeson One—The Event would take place on April 8 as the very first Caribbean Sand and Sea Sports Festival, which is set to be a yearly attraction. This convergence of dancehall and soca will take place at Pigeon Point Beach, Tobago. The headline performer is Jamaican superstar Konshens, who would perform alongside soca heavyweights Benjai and Swappi.
Currently, Konshens (Garfield Spence) is a worldwide phenomenon, as he has sold out concerts from Montego Bay to Germany and his new album, Mental Maintenance, recently took the number one spot on the iTunes music charts. He is arguably the biggest dancehall act at the moment and with the absence of Adija “Vybz Kartel” Palmer, the reggae star is in heavy demand all over the world.
The day is set to be one of fun, with football, volleyball and kayaking starting at 12 pm and going on until 6 pm, before the main event, which is carded to begin at 10 pm. Event promoter Shane Medford was elated about the affair as he stated: “This has been in the works for a long time now and I must give credit to the Tobago House of Assembly and the department for tourism in Tobago for believing in the Sand and Sea Sports Festival, as a new event with the potential to boost the tourism industry.”
Mackeson is the main sponsor and will be offering patrons special prices and surprises at the event. Slam 100.5FM has jumped on board as an event sponsor and will be the official radio station. Added to this, Slam is celebrating their one year anniversary and head of programming, Joel “Signal to Noise” Morris, said: “We are really excited to be a part of this event, some of our presenters and DJs will be coming to Tobago to introduce our progressive urban sound to the people.
This is in keeping with our initiative of supporting music and entertainment locally and around the region, pushing towards further integration. This is the only way we can penetrate the world market. It must be one Caribbean movement and it must start at home, in and around our islands.”
GM