A plan by energy giant bpTT to stage a series of live shows in an area of the Queen’s Park Savannah opposite their head office, has had to be deferred due to a recent murder in the area and the rising crime across the country.
BpTT intended to use the space opposite its head office as a cultural hub with local steelbands to promote the country’s heritage to both tourists and citizens.
However, according to reports, BpTT has noted the recent uptick in gun-related incidents in Port of Spain and environs which has resulted in the death of a number of persons.
“We have noted with grave concern the murder of someone in the Queen’s Park Savannah over the weekend in the vicinity of the booths that are being erected for Carnival—this being the area that we were looking to collaborate with the NCC (National Carnival Commission) on for creation of the pan-related Carnival space opposite our office,” a message circulating on WhatsApp stated yesterday.
On Sunday, gunmen shot and killed Akeil Archer as he was building vending booths around the Queen’s Park Savannah in preparation for Carnival 2024.
“This has prompted internal risk reviews and consultations with our security team and our business has concluded that the rise in criminal activity, and this recent murder in the Savannah, make it impossible for us move forward with this project,” the WhatsApp message stated.
“We therefore regrettably have to rescind/reverse our decision to partner with the NCC to establish the pan performance space,” it stated.
BpTT according to a Trinidad Express report, said this message was part of a private email between a company representative and NCC.
BpTT’s communications and external affairs manager Ryan Chaitram said when they observed what was happening, it caused them to pause and reevaluate how capable they would be of guaranteeing the public’s safety.
Chaitram told the media house: “It is not an idea we have gone away from entirely, but we just don’t think it is the right time to bring on offer,” he said.
BPTT is the sponsor of the Panorama defending champions Renegades.