00:00Stink and Dutty attracts thousands of patrons annually.
00:04In fact, the Fed boasts crowds of around 15,000 people.
00:08Usually opening around 3 a.m. and shutting off around 10 a.m.,
00:12the pain, powder, water and energetic performances are a worthwhile spend for those in attendance.
00:18While in 2025 Stink and Dutty was held at the Brian Lara Stadium,
00:22this year it is carded to take off on February 7th at the Chagramas Heliport,
00:27which falls under the TNT Defense Force.
00:30It comes amid the government's banning of events at Uticot premises,
00:34inclusive of Stadia, which would usually be home to events of this size.
00:39The heliport has been used for some non-military-related events,
00:43including the International Miss Universe Pageant 1999.
00:47But that event occurred in the hangar, which was refurbished to facilitate the event.
00:51The heliport is now a heavily guarded active military base, managed by the TNT Coast Guard.
00:57In more recent times, it was used as a detention center for Venezuelan immigrants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
01:05In relation to the decision to utilize the heliport for the upcoming Fed and the rationale behind it,
01:10TV6 News sought answers from Prime Minister Kamala Poussard-Bissesop,
01:14who directed us to Minister of Defense Wayne Sturge,
01:18who directed us to Minister of Culture Michel Benjamin.
01:21We sought to inquire where the funds received from the rental of the property would be channeled,
01:26whether to the Defense Force, the Defense Ministry,
01:29or any other authority such as the Chagramas Development Authority.
01:34As for thousands of people converging at an active military base with military equipment for the Fed,
01:40we also asked about security measures,
01:42inclusive of whether or not the Defense Force and or the TTPS will be assisting in this aspect.
01:48TV6 News has confirmed that there is a medical facility at the heliport,
01:53which is in place to treat with Defense Force personnel in need of medical assistance.
01:58We also sought to inquire what mechanisms are in place to treat with any emergency
02:02that might arise in this regard pertaining to the hosting of the large-scale event.
02:07TV6 News understands that the arrangement was made between the promoters and the Ministry of Culture.
02:13We are awaiting a response from Culture Minister Michel Benjamin
02:16pertaining to the money from the rental arrangement,
02:19as well as traffic management plans,
02:21which we have also raised with the TNT Police Service and are yet to receive feedback.
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