(Trinidad Express) – Veteran calypsonian Leroy ‘Black Stalin’ Calliste says while the attempted abduction of his daughter, Keina, last week has made his family more vigilant, he will not become a prisoner in his own home.
In an exclusive telephone interview, Stalin said: “Well everything kinda cool down now and she’s just resting and trying to get back into her comfort zone. But ah mean, we living here; we have to live in this country, so I don’t intend to stay in my home and be a prisoner and we shouldn’t let people outside there make us prisoners in our own homes.
“I don’t think anyone should live like that. So is no prison for me, if I right here in Trinidad and I cyah come out in the night, well what is that? We just have to be vigilant, keep our eyes open because these are the times that we’re living in…”
Keina Calliste, 32, was snatched by abductors as she was about to enter the driveway of the family’s San Fernando home on January 3. She eventually escaped by jumping out her vehicle, which the abductors used to take her away, in Pleasantville.
Stalin also supported telecommunications giant TSTT’s decision to stage a Beyonce concert on February 18.
“I think it’s up to the promoter how they want to run their business. TSTT has been kind to the culture, to sports and T&T in general and they are saying they will continue to support our local talent. So I don’t see a problem with bringing one of the top acts in the world and I don’t think it will stop anyone from enjoying the Carnival.”
On the contrary, Stalin believes the concert will serve to boost regional tourism and thinks the pricing is a bargain considering the act.
“It’s not just about Trinidad and Tobago, ’cause I know people coming from all Suriname to buy 40 tickets one time, people from Barbados coming, Grenada, up the islands, etc. It will encourage even more tourists here for the Carnival week … so how is that a bad thing?”