Condemning Machel Montano via social media and other fora is condemning T&T in the eyes of the international public, says Tourism Development Company chairman Rajiv Shandilya.
Shandilya expressed this in an interview during Andrew Lewis's Wind Energy Challenge at Maracas Bay on Sunday. Montano, a soca artiste, was found guilty last week of five charges stemming from an altercation at the Zen nightclub in 2007.
"Machel Montano is the brand of T&T. He is one of the most successful brands we have ever had with raw talent on the world stage," said Shandilya. "We must be very careful and think first before condemnation of one of the sons of the soil."
Shandilya said Montano had given a lot to the country and described the guilty verdict Montano received last week as unfortunate. "We need to concentrate on his professionalism. The last number of years we have seen him change into a gentleman."
Shandilya said those with a voice must be careful what they say in relation to the brand of T&T. "The brand of T&T?is read about worldwide, and anything that is negative is not good for us. "Think of the negative impact of what you say." Shandilya said it is important to support Montano moving forward.