One of Jamaica’s top reggae ambassadors, Anthony B (Keith Blair), urged the youth of Trinidad and Tobago to turn away from violence and criminal activity.
During his 45-minute set at the inaugural World of Reggae concert on June 8, Anthony B made an open plea to the nation’s young people to “stop killing each other” and find peaceful ways to resolve conflicts. He expressed his dismay at the dramatic changes he observed in Trinidad and Tobago over the years.
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“I walked through the streets of TT on Saturday, and usually, the streets are bustling with cars everywhere. But there is a fear in the country now, and we have to address it. That’s not the TT I remember,” he said. “When I came to TT in the 90s, the only kind of murder was between jealous sweethearts. We never knew about bad men and gangsters. Garnett Silk once said Trinidad is like heaven, and we wished Jamaica could be like that.”
He addressed those involved in gang-related activities, who use numbers to distinguish themselves by name and territory.
“Youths in Trinidad, don’t kill your brother because he has a number six, seven, or eight…that’s your brother. We can reason it out. If you step on my toe today and we reason it out, you’re still alive. But if I kill you and want to say sorry tomorrow, you’re already dead.”
Anthony B also urged young people to avoid artists and music that incite violence through their lyrics.
His heartfelt appeal was met with resounding applause and cheers from the thousands of attendees, who remained hopeful that the heavens would not open on their night of relaxing reggae music.
Anthony B set the tone from the start, opening with his song “Mr Heartless.” He took the audience on a nostalgic journey with hits such as “Damage,” “Hurt the Heart,” “Repentance Time,” and “Raid D’ Barn,” among others.
