Cops reviewing Akon concert

Speaking with Newsday yesterday following a press conference which was held at the Police Administration Building in Port-of-Spain, ACP (Crime) Gilbert Reyes said they are aware of what transpired at the April 12 concert, which was held at Club Zen in Port-of-Spain, in which Akon performed a dance simulating sexual acts with 15-year-old Danah Alleyne.

Alleyne is the daughter of Pastor Dave Alleyne of Flaming Word Ministries in Caroni Savannah Road, Chaguanas. “With regards to the Akon concert, we are looking into it and we are yet to determine whether anyone had broken any specific law, and if so, the person or persons would be dealt with accordingly,” Reyes said.

“Currently, we are also reviewing the laws and all nightclubs with respect to age limits. I can assure you we also have those nightclubs under tight scrutiny,” he added.

Since the incident, Alleyne has come under heavy criticism, even from Junior National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds who called her “young”, “wild” and “stupid”. Hinds also called on Police Commissioner Trevor Paul to investigate the matter to see whether there was any possibility of legal action against Akon and others who may have committed some civil or criminal offence.

He accused Akon of possibly committing a criminal offence of lewd dancing in public. Alleyne’s brother Ian, who is president of the TT Crime Watch claimed Hinds’ attack on Danah was an indirect attack on the nations’ youths. Ian said Hinds should have been more sensitive in light of the whole situation.

“That comment by the minister clearly showed he has no regard for my sister or by extension the youths of today. Hinds should realise children do make mistakes and instead of calling them names and criticising them, he should instead seek to support and help them to get on back onto the right track,” Alleyne said.

Club Zen’s owner Johnny Soong also got blame for allowing minors into the club. However, Soong claimed the club stood by the “18 years and over” law and added that Alleyne may have entered the club through a “crack” in the club’s security measures.