00:00Land and Legal Affairs Minister Salim Hussain piloted the bill to extend the protection for copyright and neighbouring rights for authors, performers and producers of sound recordings in the Senate at an important time for the creative sector in Trinidad and Tobago.
00:15It is an opportune time as I said to bring this bill as we are in the height of the carnival season and I must commend my cabinet colleague Minister Benjamin on I think what is one of the most organised, fun, effective carnival season. I mean the place just full of vibes Mr. President.
00:38Opposition Senator Farris Arwari pointed out carnival artists and bands have to pay copyright contributions to bodies such as the Copyright Music Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago.
00:50One has to take notice of Monday, February 2nd, 2026, government attacks carnival artists.
00:58So when the Honourable Minister comes to us and says vibes in Trinidad, I don't know what vibes he's talking to because this is most respectfully the most subdued carnival that I have seen perhaps equal to COVID.
01:17Minister Hussain gave examples of what the government has determined to be the triumphs so far for Carnival 2026.
01:24People are enjoying the flavour, it's full of flavour and the Queen's Park Savannah was there one night Mr. President.
01:31The John Cupid village was a success, pan semis and pan on the greens, again a big success Mr. President.
01:41And we look forward to hosting the greatest show on earth under a UNC government.
01:48The Opposition Senator alluded to concerns previously raised by some carnival stakeholders such as pet promoters as well as other businesses that usually see a surge in business at carnival time.
02:02The gyms are empty, the bars are empty, the events are at bus point and therefore this bill is very timely.
02:10Thank the Lord it was prepared long before this government came into office.
02:15But the point is that the economy is under serious attack and we need to make sure that there's a viable alternative in law.
02:26The land and legal affairs minister later responded when he wound up the Senate's debate of the Copyright Act amendments as he referred to one of the premier all-inclusive fets for Carnival.
02:37You see my friend complained about Carnival, he said wait bus, he said bus is here.
02:43Mr. President, I saw him struggling through the crowd in CIC, I saw him struggling, he couldn't make his way through the thick crowd in CIC, so I don't know what fets he think in the bus, but I think it'll have a fets coming up soon at the PNM having that he's anticipating will bus.
03:00The government said it took nine months to bring the copyright amendments to Parliament following close to nine years of the former government.
03:08Jewel Brown, TV6 News.
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