Saturday, April 28th 2007


Jamaican dancehall star Sean Paul created quite a stir when he snubbed fans and media personnel upon his arrival at the Crown Point Airport in Tobago yesterday.

The multi-platinum selling artiste refused to acknowledge fans and media and headed straight for a gold-coloured Prado SUV parked outside the arrival gate.

When photographers attempted to approach the vehicle, they were warded off by a man identified only as Steve, who claimed to be the artiste's manager.

The man said Sean Paul would not be providing a photo op and said all fans would see him at the concert.

When informed that it was Trinidadian media requesting the photo op, the man responded by saying, "We don't care about Trinidad."

The event was the only sour note on a beautiful Friday morning in the sister isle, that saw hundreds of Trinidadian music lovers begin to arrive by sea and air for this weekend's Plymouth Jazz Festival at the Plymouth Recreation Park in Plymouth.

It seems April is becoming the new August, as more and more local tourists are planning their weekend vacations around Plymouth's big show in lieu of the traditional Great Race activities.

Prime Minister Patrick Manning was the most noticeable arrival. He touched down at Crown Point Airport with his wife, Education Minister Hazel Manning, around noon yesterday.

The Prime Minister is expected to make an appearance in the VVIP section at tonight's opening of the festival, which features Sean Paul and veteran US-rapper/actor LL Cool J.

Both were reportedly already on the island following checks with the promoter yesterday, as well as opening act local soca band Kes.

On a cloudless Friday morning, organisers said all systems are go for the much anticipated show.

An all-star women's cast, including Trinidad-born Heather Headley, R&B divas Gladys Knight and Diana Ross and Mary J Blige will perform at the Plymouth ground today.

Of that line up, only Knight and Headley were already reportedly on the island.

Organisers said Mary J Blige and Ross were scheduled to arrive late yesterday.

Meanwhile, British pop legend Sir Elton John, the centre of much controversy in Tobago because of his homosexual preference, is expected to arrive tomorrow.

Despite protests from clergymen on the island, Sir Elton will perform alongside legendary US-funk Earth Wind & Fire and veteran R&B crooner Al Green, both of whom are also expected tomorrow.

Soca music will also have its say at the festival, as both Destra Garcia and Machel Montano are scheduled to appear today and tomorrow, respectively.