Don’t blame COTT

THE EDITOR: The Copyright Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (COTT) would like to make it clear that it is not involved with any group attempting to legalise piracy, as implied in a letter appearing yesterday in a daily newspaper. Because the authorities have seen fit to register a competing entity with similar initials, there will be some confusion about who is getting into bed with music pirates but it certainly isn’t COTT. We have already outlined our abhorrence at this attempt to join with music pirates who, we feel certain, because of the ease with which they are allowed to pillage the work of our members, cannot now be depended upon to do anything but that to which they have become accustomed — steal.

It is, to us, inconceivable that the other organisation could bring itself to believe that pirates, who are set in their illegal practice of stealing people’s property and putting it up for sale, will suddenly see the proverbial “light” and convert to law-abiding practices like properly logging sales and turning over part of their ill-gotten gains. COTT is against the very concept and hereby asks that the media pay special attention to incoming articles/letters that confuse our good name with that of the other organisation pursuing this maverick approach to dealing with the scourge of music piracy.

ALLISON DEMAS
Chief Executive Officer
Copyright Organisation of TT