Letter-rip! Tim Kee and Mr Live Wire trade responses over late Japanese pannist

Port of Spain mayor Raymond Tim Kee responded to outrage at his comments with reference to late Japanese pannist Asami Nagakiya with an apology of sorts. So Mr Live Wire countered with an acknowledgement of sorts.

Read both letters below:

(Here is the full response by the Mayor)

Photo: Port of Spain mayor and PNM treasurer Raymond Tim Kee, who is a member of the FIFA Futsal Committee, tries out the furniture at the global football body's Zurich headquarters.
Photo: Port of Spain mayor and PNM treasurer Raymond Tim Kee, who is a member of the FIFA Futsal Committee, tries out the furniture at the global football body’s Zurich headquarters.

His Worship the Mayor of Port of Spain Alderman Raymond Tim Kee unequivocally apologises to women and the national population who were offended by remarks attributed to him following the death of carnival visitor and mas player, Asami Nagakiya.

Mayor Tim Kee says that his comments were completely misconstrued, and one particular headline unfortunately stated “POS Mayor criticises women” drawing fire even before the article was read. Mayor Tim Kee said that he advised women to take responsibility and protect themselves as so many women are the victims of abuse at the hands of others.

He agrees that his comments could have been considered out of line, but despite the anger being expressed from many quarters including feminist groups and activists, he has also received calls of support from several women agreeing with him on the lack of modesty displayed by some women and girls on the streets during the Carnival Celebrations.

There is indeed a concern about the behaviour of both male and female mas players generally as they are now being emulated by children who believe that lewd behaviour and carnival go hand in hand.

Photo: Unconfirmed reports have identified the dead masquerader as Japanese pannist Asami Nagakiya. (Copyright Trini Scene)
Photo: Unconfirmed reports have identified the dead masquerader as Japanese pannist Asami Nagakiya.
(Copyright Trini Scene)

He says that it is with deep regret to have to speak of the death of Ms Nagakiya who has been a welcome visitor and close friend of the steel band community in Trinidad & Tobago for several years.

Mayor Tim Kee further states that Members of Council and Management of the Port of Spain Corporation also extend deepest sympathy to the family of Asami Nagakiya.

The circumstances surrounding her death are being investigated and the public would be kept updated by the authorities.

Office of the Mayor

Photo: Wtf did I just read...
Photo: Wtf… This man worse than Fuad Khan!

(Response from Mr Live Wire)

Dear Raymond Tim Kee,

Firstly, please, don’t refer to yourself as “His Worship.” It really is the sort of pompous title that should not exist in the post-colonial age.

Did you know that worship means “the object of adoring reverence or regard?”

Of course you didn’t. Just as you evidently don’t understand the meaning of the word “apology.”

You are sorry that your “comments were completely misconstrued” Sir?

I am sorry that you don’t realise what a sorry individual you are for your insensitive, anachronistic and misogynistic views on women and abuse. But I am mostly sorry that you still have the authority to issue press releases from the Mayor’s office.

I can only hope that this is remedied post-haste and you are quickly ushered back into the 19th century where you belong.

Photo: Former People's Partnership Senator Christlyn Moore enjoying her 2016 Carnival. Or, as Raymond Tim Kee would put it, auditioning for a role in a domestic abuse case. (Courtesy Facebook)
Photo: Former People’s Partnership Senator Christlyn Moore enjoying her 2016 Carnival.
Or, as Raymond Tim Kee would put it, auditioning for a role in a domestic abuse case.
(Courtesy Facebook)

Now, your press release repeatedly carries phrases like: “Mayor Tim Kee said that…”

Does this mean that, after abusing the memory of a dead woman, you couldn’t spare the time to apologise—or pretend to apologise—yourself? Or are you referring to yourself in the third person?

If it is the latter, Tim Kee, do you think you are God? Or Brian Lara?

If it is the former, I would gladly throw you in the deep end of the ocean to see if you can walk on water. Bet you think it is as easy as knitting.

And I bet you have never knitted.

If it is the latter, I hope that, instead of promoting boxing matches, you put on gloves yourself and issue an open invitation for sparring partners. You would be surprised to know how many women would love to meet you in that context.

Photo: Tell Lara to sanction that bout one time!
Photo: Tell Lara to sanction that bout one time!

Sir, arguably, this was the most revealing part of your pseudo-apology: “He agrees that his comments could have been considered out of line, but despite the anger being expressed from many quarters including feminist groups and activists, he has also received calls of support from several women agreeing with him on the lack of modesty displayed by some women and girls on the streets during the Carnival celebrations.”

For starters, no apology to anyone—let alone thousands of irate women—passes the mustard with the word “but” in there.

It is safe to say you are not half as charming to the opposite sex as you might think. And we can only hope that women in your company are extra careful so as not to call abuse upon themselves.

Sir, there is really no question as to whether your comments were out of line. And it only heightens the irony that you suspect the angry response is largely coming from feminists.

Sir, I think Trinidad and Tobago comprises of roughly 1.3 million feminists at the moment. Even Chandresh Sharma might march for this one!

Imagine just months ago, we were so ashamed that Dr Fuad Khan stereotyped our Chinese colleagues as dognappers and pet chefs.

How should we treat your utterances, which slander the image and modesty of a tragically departed talented Japanese young woman, who was an avid pannist to boot?

Photo: Late Japanese pannist Asami Nagakiya performs with Silver Stars at the 2016 Panorama. (Courtesy Facebook)
Photo: Late Japanese pannist Asami Nagakiya performs with Silver Stars at the 2016 Panorama.
(Courtesy Facebook)

Let me crystal clear so this letter will not be misconstrued.

Mr Tim Kee, you offer as much value to the Port of Spain burgess as an ashtray on a motorbike. And seeing you in front of a microphone is like watching a little child run with scissors.

To quote the philosophical musings of Beyonce: “Everything you need is in the box to the left…”

Not that you deserve Beyonce, of course. But we will be sure to give Solange your home address.

Yours sincerely,

Office of the Live Wire

 

Editor’s Note: Click HERE to listen yourself to Port of Spain mayor Raymond Tim Kee’s initial press conference, which provoked a furious public response.

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About Mr. Live Wire

Mr. Live Wire is an avid news reader who translates media reports for persons who can handle the truth. And satire. Unlike Jack Nicholson, he rarely yells.

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73 comments

  1. At the end of the day, they protest because of his response to the incident. However, no one has a word to say to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service on the investigation that suppose to be going on to find the man/men involved. Again TTPS has/is failing

    • The point you are missing, and the assumption Tim Kee is making, is that had the late Ms. Nagakiya even conducted herself in a manner which met with Tim Kee’s approval, we still would not have had any assurance that she would have lived, seeing as we do, that there is very little known facts as to why this tragedy occurred. Was this a random crime? Was she targeted because of who she is? Was her killer an acquaintance? Unless we know the answers to any/all of these, then any comment as to the cause of her death is not only premature and speculative, but irresponsible as well. When you add offense to any of these (premature, speculative, irresponsible and/or offensive) then clearly the case has been made for Tim Kee’s resignation.

  2. Wisdom works with the truth. The mayor erred when questioned. Most of us however seem to want to err as well in jumping to conclusions just as the mayor did.
    Anyone thinking that I sould be free to go for a walk in a crime ridden part of downtown at night with my biggest gold chain on display is a fool.
    Women need to take some responsibility for their safety. So you have assets. Wonderful but if you dare to bare them in john public eye, remember that living in our midst are the monsters. Created by late night porn, lewd conduct, poor taste in friends, too much alcohol or just ignorance. These monsters exist. To deny their existence is to deny that all that is true.
    Maybe you deny that Kamla’s pink palace is not a gift from SIS to allow billions to go their way. Maybe you think that the OPV’s really had issues and it was not that the PP were doing the drug lords’ bidding. What you believe however wont change what the truth appears to be.
    If I lean too far over the side of the boat I can fall in the water. If I enter the sea dressed as a seal in Great white shark territory. I am likely to be attacked. If you take risks driving faster than the road and other drivers would be safe, you will likely be in a bad accident. I dont wish any woman to be raped and I dont blame them for thinking they should be safe in nothing but a thong and pasties when they fetin. However it goes without saying that they are running risks.
    Tim Kee isnt a talent to be sure but our women are being too lewd and dressing with far too little to claim that they are responsible. Monsters exist. Who is responsible for their attacks? The women didnt cause the attacks but to say that they didnt chum the waters is disingenuous. Men need to raise their sons and train them to use logic and virtue as opposed to seeking pleasure at all costs. We need men that can protect women from the monsters as well as we need women that dont feed the monsters.

    • Sorry, this was the comment to which I wished to respond…

      The point you are missing, and the assumption Tim Kee is making, is that had the late Ms. Nagakiya even conducted herself in a manner which met with Tim Kee’s approval, we still would not have had any assurance that she would have lived, seeing as we do, that there is very little known facts as to why this tragedy occurred. Was this a random crime? Was she targeted because of who she is? Was her killer an acquaintance? Unless we know the answers to any/all of these, then any comment as to the cause of her death is not only premature and speculative, but irresponsible as well. When you add offense to any of these (premature, speculative, irresponsible and/or offensive) then clearly the case has been made for Tim Kee’s resignation.

  3. As part of the protest yesterday, I can assure everyone that more action will be coming. We all just have to keep on talking and talking and talking about this, this issue must not die until the Mayor is removed. Creating as much awareness as we possibly can and supporting the activities planned will exert significant pressure, then the the back of the camel will break. We must exert people power to create change in T&T to rid our system of political appointees who make anuses of themselves with no consequences. Keep talking…

  4. Where is Moonilal when you need him to respond 🙂 #HYSM

  5. Where is Moonilal when you need him 🙂

  6. On point Mr. Livewire, in my opinion you spoke on behalf of the majority of Trinbagonians…

  7. Well Said !!! Mr Live Wire.. Thank you with all my heart

  8. The mayor is disgusting on behalf of the people of Trinidad and Tobago I apologize for his remarks to the people of Japan

  9. So what you think? Address Sat and em too in another piece? Lol.

  10. Mr. Livewire how I wish so many more men had your fortitude. So many males fill they eye, get a free wine on d bumper, enjoyed the vibes…now they dead silent – just another day in the boy’s club. Women use this as a lessons and forge more unity between yourself and other women. Not fight each other down over man, cause at the end of the day he just going to go silent and fade into the background.

  11. Religious leaders support Tim Kee
    By Akilah Holder Friday, February 12 2016

    AMID growing condemnation and even calls for him to be fired for statements that lewd and vulgar behavior of women around Carnival time opens them up to sex crimes, Port-of-Spain Mayor Raymond Tim Kee has received support from several prominent religious leaders who yesterday expressed the view that there was merit in his statements.

    Pentecostal Pastor Dr Winston Cuffie, in a strongly worded statement, condemned the behavior of women during Carnival, saying Carnival highlights that women are their own worst enemies.

    Commu n i c at i ons manager of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies (PAWI), Rev Christian Andrews, said he agreed to a certain extent with Tim Kee. Sat Maharaj, Secretary General of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, stated unequivocally, that Tim Kee was right and did not need to apologize.

    President general of the Anjuman Sunnat Jammat Association (ASJA) Yacoob Ali also supported Tim Kee.

    Pastor Cuffie made it clear women hold the key to their own safety around Carnival time. He suggested that no responsible woman would participate in Carnival. “If there is one event which shows women are their own worst enemies, it’s Carnival.

    Carnival is all about the sordid, callous denigrating and exploitation of women by the dragging of their dignity, worth and value into the gutter. And the saddest part of this, is that the most ardent accomplice to this crime is the woman herself. It’s situations like these which make the outcry over Chris Gayle’s “joke” with the Australian reporter, gross hypocrisy,” Pastor Cuffie said.

    Andrews gave a more conservative response saying Time Kee was right, to a point. “Frankly speaking, because of my position, moreso as a minister of the Gospel and looking at the way women conduct themselves… I think (he is right) to an extent. But at the same time, I also believe it doesn’t give a man the right to violate a woman. So she disrespects herself, yes, but it doesn’t mean that I should or anybody, should further disrespect her in any. So I agree and disagree,” Andrews said.

    Maharaj told Newsday he expects Carnival would be banned, given the advent of the mosquito borne disease Zika and additionally, Carnival contributed absolutely nothing positive to the nation and women use this time of year as an excuse to behave, loosely. “I believe they (women), some of them, use this as an opportunity to behave in the most vile manner.

    “I am not surprised you had at least one murder of a woman. It’s unfortunate that it was of a foreign woman and it sends a terrible message to the rest of the world that Trinidad is not a safe place for people to visit. This is the time when you see women at their worst.

    I agree with him (Tim Kee) that women’s vulgar and lewd behavior make them vulnerable to sexual crimes.

    Why should he apologize? He doesn’t need to apologise,” Maharaj said.

    http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,223895.html

  12. Unkempt Tim Kee
    Friday, February 12 2016

    CONGRATULATIONS are in order to all of the winners announced in the Downtown Band of the Year competition. It takes effort to bring out a band, as Ronnie and Caro and hundreds of other bandleaders know.

    Yet, as much as we laud the achievements of these artisans, the empty stands at all of the major Port-of-Spain judging points and the failure of even the Socadrome to take off this year are both dark shadows which loom over all the tokenistic laurels which the National Carnival Commission may hand out. The NCC has much to think about.

    For instance, why is it that the Band of the Year must be a large band? We do not mean to take away the achievement of anyone, but why can’t medium bands, such as the wonderfully creative K2K Alliance, not be rewarded on the merit of design, beauty and the appeal they hold to onlookers? Also, in relation to the Socadrome, what, really, is its role in our Carnival? If the ostensible rationale is to tackle the problem of a buildup of traffic flows, should we not focus on management of the flows? How does a diversion of the bands — with all their spectacle and energy — to the margins of the city help? Is the deeper issue a disdain for the downtown areas of Portof- Spain where spectators may freely watch the mas? Are we ashamed at the condition of our capital city? Would we prefer visitors and tourists to avoid “behind the bridge” and the homeless shelter just off Marine Square? If so, why don’t we fix our once beautiful city? But these considerations pale in significance when compared to the outrageous remarks of Port-of-Spain Mayor Raymond Tim Kee in relation to the discovery of the dead body of a female Carnival reveler on Ash Wednesday. It is not just a question of the Mayor’s remarks being premature, which they were, but rather the fact that the remarks themselves perpetuate a misogynistic mindset which shames the victims of crimes, ranging from domestic abuse to sexual assault.

    How does anybody’s behaviour — lewd or otherwise — justify an attack? The Mayor thinks a woman is to blame for her “losing control” moreso than her attacker for his crime.

    Tim Kee added salt to the wound by issuing a half-hearted apology yesterday which was no apology at all.

    As Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar remarked in calling for Tim Kee’s resignation yesterday, these sanctimonious statements have the potential to damage our tourism industry which sees thousands of women fly in to participate in our Carnival.

    The sad part is Tim Kee’s utterances reflect a deeper mindset shared by others, including Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams who, on Sunday, warned women not to provoke attacks by way of their manner of dress.

    Women are half the population.

    How can we be assured the State is truly administering itself in a way that looks after our interests without discrimination if we allow persons in authority to spout such rhetoric? Both men should apologise, sincerely, for their remarks.

    In the case of Tim Kee, the prematurity of his statements will leave many to question whether he can hold a public office in the face of such recklessness

    http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,223888.html

  13. “Yesterday, Rowley said he may have “misspoken” on the matter but it was no reason for his dismissal. He also stressed his Government did not support victim blaming.”

  14. Even Glen and Chandresh say Tim Kee out ah place….even Glen and Chandresh…doh talk about de Coteau.

  15. Thank you Mr.Live Wire on behalf of all women!!!!

  16. Thank you Lasana/ Mr Livewire nobody could say it better, because I lost my vocabulary since this morning, only using sailor language all day at Tim Pee, Piss whatever

  17. According to the Municipal Corporation Act the only way he can be removed is of he was to resign, the Council is dissolved or 3/4 of the council votes on a resolution to remove him. The PM did not elect him so he cannot move him Debbie Espinal

  18. “His worship” ….f@$#/÷× Tim Kee

  19. Well said Lasana and you:be expressed my sentiments exactly. Sadly the PM has decided to duck and run again. Curious to know his Wife and Daughters thoughts on Tim Kees statements. Sad day for TnT. Ah hanging men head in shame.

  20. It is rather sad when persons in authority fail to understand the true meaning of an apology. The mayor wrong, period.

  21. Wow. “…like watching a little child run with scissors”. ???

  22. RIP. Please authorities leave no stone unturned. Find out who, why, where and how such a beautiful person who loved our culture could end up dead. Someone had to know something.

  23. As useful as an ashtray on a motorbike. Lol. Where you come up with these things boy? Lol.

  24. If you had asked, I would have signed this letter too!

  25. An “apology” with conditions…arrogance and misogyny abound

  26. Wonder if he’d respond to Solange the same way that Jay did.
    Wonder if he thought his days of severe ponging from Wired868 were over on November 30th…

  27. Aaayyyyeeeeee. Lemme qualify eh. Timkee is ah jackass!!

  28. Mel Lissa… I just had to do something separate for that apology! 🙂

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