New copyright boss, Gerard Weekes, has promised to look at ways to collect royalties from agencies who have been failing to recognize the need for paying artistes their dues.
The T&T Copyright Collection Organisation (TTCO) installed its new board on Monday (30th December 2019) at the Cruise Ship Complex Hall, Port of Spain.
The board is headed by businessman Gerard Weekes, who also is a director of T&T Carnival Bandleaders Association.
Weekes said his first role as TTCO head was to educate the public on the role of the TTCO and protect the artistes’ rights. He said there are several examples where the intellectual rights of artistes are not being honoured.
When asked by Guardian Media if he would be looking at ways to ensure royalties are paid by persons operating in private and public sector offices and seafaring vessels, Weekes said yes.
He said the TTCO was not a draconian organisation, but one with a wider educational role that wants to get the message out. He said the TTCO is also open to dialogue with other copyright organisations operating in T&T.
The TTCO boss said the final objective was to ensure that all artistes in the cultural field reap some benefits for their intellectual work.
TTCO President Gerard Weekes, seated (centre). From left: Jelani Shaw, Jacque Burgess (Corporate Secretary), Kernal Roberts (Vice-President), Agnes Raghoobarsingh, Asten Isaac (Vice-President), Dr Vijay Ramlal Rai (Founder) and Nankisoor Rampartap
TTCO
The newly constituted TTCO board includes:
• Gerard Weekes (President)
• Jelani Shaw
• Jacque Burgess (Corporate Secretary)
• Kernal Roberts (Vice-President)
• Agnes Raghoobarsingh
• Asten Isaac (Vice-President)
• Dr Vijay Ramlal Rai (Founder)
• Nankisoor Rampartap
• Khalaf M. Peters
• Mr Ramchan Rajbal