Telemaque backs IDs for easier payments

Allowing citizens aged 16 and over to carry identification would streamline remuneration processes, particularly during and after the Panorama steelband competition, according to Clyde Telemaque, external relations officer for Pan Trinbago. His comments came during the launch of two new songs at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain.

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It’s a good move because the remuneration which the child gets will go into their accounts. Many times, the parent would ask if the cheque can go to them. Put it in their account. It makes it difficult for the child. Sometimes the parent would say the children don’t have a bank account. If a child has an ID, it would make the process of remuneration easier. We have children playing pan from ages ten to 14.

Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander confirmed on Wednesday that the government intends to introduce legislation requiring all citizens and foreign nationals aged 16 and above to possess valid identification when in public spaces in Trinidad and Tobago. Telemaque views this as a positive development for managing payments to young pannists.

"It’s a good move because the remuneration which the child gets will go into their accounts," Telemaque stated. "Many times, the parent would ask if the cheque can go to them. Put it in their account. It makes it difficult for the child. Sometimes the parent would say the children don’t have a bank account. If a child has an ID, it would make the process of remuneration easier. We have children playing pan from ages ten to 14."

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I would support anything that would improve the country. I am all for it. I don’t believe in opposing for opposing sake. We have a Government in place. We have to trust them to make the best decisions in the interest of the people. I would also support the police posts.

Pan Trinbago vice-president Terry Bernard expressed general support for initiatives that improve the country, trusting the government's decisions. He also voiced support for the proposed police posts and emphasized the importance of steelbands in fostering etiquette, team spirit, and patriotism among youth. Poet Eintou Pearl Springer stated she always carries her ID and sees both positives and negatives, but believes people should not be punished. Roger Thomas, manager of Moods Steel Orchestra, compared the move to standards in the United Kingdom, seeing it as an upgrade for the country.

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I always have my ID card. I don’t have a problem with it. There are always positives and negatives to anything. But I think people should not be punished.

However, some reactions were mixed. One parent considered an ID card a "rite of passage." A taxi driver, identifying himself as Jason, suggested it could help track individuals and potentially deter Venezuelans, though he acknowledged that movements can be tracked regardless. Another woman reacted with strong expletives, questioning Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's motives.

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It’s done in the United Kingdom. So, it’s a move to upgrade the country. Bring us into international standards.