Reckless outburst by Machel

THE EDITOR: I see where police public information officer ASP Michael Jackman reiterated the point he made previously that it is an assault to touch someone without their consent, which could lead to arrest. In other words, “You cyah tief a wine without consent.”

I also read where soca artiste Machel Montano, at a recent fete, told the crowd: “They say yuh could get lock up for thiefing a wine. Allyuh forget that, find somebody to jam. This is Carnival. They will have to lock up the whole of Trinidad and Tobago.”

As funny as all this may sound, if the law states that gyrating on someone is considered touching the person, whether at a Carnival fete or any other function in or outside of Carnival, and that person says no by word or by action, the other person who is about to or is engaged in that sort of behaviour should cease. It is an assault. Therefore Montano’s outburst was irresponsible and reckless.

Montano, who no doubt many youths look up to and I believe is a cultural ambassador, should show more respect for the law of the land and not be so flippant, as he clearly shows no understanding of the titles he so proudly wears.

C PETERS via e-mail