Following an announcement on Friday morning by Guyana’s Security Minister, Robeson Benn, that dancehall artiste Skeng has been banned from performing at any public events in the country, the artiste’s management has released an official statement in response to the development.
The release sent to the office of Prism Marketing Consultants read,
“We, the Management of the Artiste KEVON DOUGLAS also known as ‘SKENG DON’ have seen a post that has been circulating throughout social media.
The post purports to have originated from Mr. Robeson Benn, the Minister of Home Affairs for Guyana. The authenticity of the post has not yet been verified, however, due to the averments made therein we are of the view that a response is required.
The post concerns an incident that occurred at the Carnival Launching in Guyana that has gained worldwide notoriety. Management and Mr. Douglas are aware of the negative effect of gun violence and do not and will never condone same anywhere.
Mr. Douglas’ artistic expression is merely an artistic expression and nothing more. He has performed in several cities prior to and subsequent to the incident in Guyana and we have not received the kind of response that was received in Guyana.
Our Team was also placed in danger and had to take precautions to ensure that they were not injured. We are of the view that the security measures that were put in place could have been more stringent in order to prevent the gunplay and other acts of violence.
If the averments made in the post are authentic, we are of the view that blame is being placed at Mr. Douglas’ feet wrongfully. We remain committed to our fans in Guyana, throughout the Caribbean and worldwide.
Mr. Douglas provides high energy performances; however, we ask that there not be a repeat of the incident that occurred in Guyana.
We would appreciate the opportunity to perform in Guyana again, to remove any bad taste that has been left in the mouths of the Authorities.
We remain resolute and supportive of our Caricom partners and the exchange of our unique Caribbean culture.”
