Acknowledging that it may be difficult to impose an all-out ban on derogatory and violent music, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley believes there can at least be a restriction of what he deems “tasteless” content in public spaces and on public airwaves.

At a news conference today, the Prime Minister also noted that a ban may make this kind of content more attractive, especially to young people. 

“I think the general consensus is that art, including music, has an effect on the human form and the human condition. We discussed it at length (at the CARICOM meeting) But we make a distinction between condemning it and banning it. Because to talk about ban, a ban is something that can make it simply more attractive. And in today’s technological world you can ban something like that. You might say you don’t want it on TTT, you don’t want it in a public space. But social media will make it available to all who want it,” Dr. Rowley said. 

He noted that much of the music young children listen to today promotes violent behavior as well as the denigration of women. 

“While we don’t think that attempting to ban …but we can restrict in public spaces and on public airwaves, certain kinds of tasteless, so-called genres. We just have to be realistic and not be afraid to say we accept or we don’t accept,” he ended.