An association to lobby Government to reopen the entertainment sector and address the plight of those unable to earn over the last three months is currently being formed.

The Trinidad and Tobago Entertainment and Nightlife Association will seek to consult with Government on a way to reopen the sector.

Michael Blackman, known popularly as Mush, said people in the entertainment industry are suffering and no one is addressing their plight.

He said everyone is complaining and some of them have decided to form an association to speak with one voice to the Government to find a way forward. 

Blackman penned an open letter to the Government on social media today highlighting the issues facing the sector.

“People within the entertainment and nightlife industry have been quiet and patient for quite some time but even with no local cases in over 80 days, our silence seems to have been taken for granted and our industry as a whole,” he wrote.

“On June 20, there was an address to the nation and it was stated then that “in a week or two, the restrictions placed on parties and party boats would be revisited”. Exactly one month has passed since that statement was made. Our families have waited. Our children have waited… BUT Our bills have NOT waited and steadily increase as the days go by!!”

He said contrary to what many think, it’s not only promoters, artistes and DJs that are affected. He said the list includes hairdressers, clothing stores, photographers, lighting companies and their technicians, sound system owners, caterers, bartenders, sound engineers, graphic artists, security companies, brand ambassadors and venue owners.

“Today was to raise awareness that we are suffering. What we are saying is give us a starting point to develop, give us the same mandate as everybody else and once things go well we will expand,”  he said.

Blackman noted that while there have been discussions about the association for some time, the crowds accompanying some election candidates on nomination day last Friday raised eyebrows.

“That was God talking. We had intentions of doing this before and Friday and we saw that and said God is saying we are on the right path.”

Blackman said they will develop proposals to present to the Government, among them assistance with stipends.

He said the grants to small businesses and the Ministry of Culture’s $5000 grant to creatives does not cater to many who work in the entertainment industry.

“The entertainment industry is very fluid and some people do not operate on that scale to say they pay taxes, it is not standardised across the border. It is not a singular, one-dimensional sector,” he explained.

Blackman, who has worked as a DJ, sound engineer and promoter, said pre-COVID-19 he was doing two events at one club and managing another.

He said with the COVID-19 lockdown all of his jobs went to zero in one day.

He said he was living off savings but is now dependent on his family.

“We just want an opportunity to do something to pay bills. Landlords and bills don’t stop.”