Caption: Nicholas Morris
Summary
- Minister Nicholas Morris says the Helon Francis TTT audio controversy is “dead” and will not be independently investigated.
- Morris cites a TTT technical report blaming a connectivity failure in the Dante digital audio network.
- The Opposition alleges censorship and is demanding public details on the Dante system.
- Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar rejects claims of censorship, saying calypso has long “censored” itself through divisive politics.
- Morris apologised to Francis, said judging was unaffected, and blamed ageing TTT equipment inherited from the previous administration.
By Prior Beharry
MINISTER in the Office of the Prime Minister Nicholas Morris says the controversy over calypsonian Helon Francis’ audio dropping out during a State-owned Trinidad and Tobago Television (TTT) broadcast of Dimanche Gras is “dead,” insisting there is no need for an independent investigation.
Speaking at Thursday’s post-Cabinet news conference at the Diplomatic Centre, Morris said TTT’s technical staff operates independently and has already produced a report attributing the disruption to a connectivity failure within the Dante digital audio network.
The issue sparked backlash on Sunday after part of Francis’ televised performance went silent, prompting the Opposition to accuse the Government of censorship and dictatorship. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar rejected those claims, saying no one needed to censor calypso and arguing that “political stooges masquerading as calypsonians” had over time alienated audiences with “hateful diatribes.”
Opposition and Diego Martin West MP Hans Des Vignes has called for information on the Dante system to be made public. Morris dismissed calls for a separate probe, repeating that TTT had already provided an independent technical explanation.
Morris said broadcast audio problems were not unprecedented, pointing to a 2024 breakdown during coverage of Divali Nagar when Persad-Bissessar—then opposition leader—was speaking. He also argued the Government had no reason to mute calypsonians, noting that public figures, including the Prime Minister, have long faced harsh criticism. “We’ve stood up to take ridicule, to take bashing from many people in the society,” he said, adding that the Government was unafraid of criticism.
Morris apologised to Francis and maintained that while the audio was affected on the TTT live broadcast, it was not affected on stage and did not influence judging. He said the administration was focused on “rebuilding” the economy and restoring security, describing the broadcast issue as trivial and in the past.
Asked about the Emancipation Support Committee’s call for an independent investigation, Morris said the Government respected the group but reiterated that the TTT technical report was independent. He added that while TTT had strong staff, the broadcaster’s equipment had been allowed to deteriorate under the former administration and was now being addressed.
