As expected this incident has garnered sufficient attention to be utilized for political mileage and criticisms.

Firstly we have Fitzgerald Hinds calling for legal action against Akon:

“Akon means ‘convict’ and I feel he should be a ‘convict’ in Trinidad and Tobago,” Hinds said, “having possibly committed a criminal offense of lewd dancing in public”.

That’s find but he then Hinds continues by referring to Danah as stupid:

“Notwithstanding her stupidity, she deserved the protection of adults. And I saw adults in that function cheering on that convict,” he said.

The backlash against Hinds’ comment had begun, however they seem to only have come from the family of Danah:

Her brother Ian Alleyne said of Hinds’s comment “we have the second coming of Jesus Christ in Trinidad, because he (Hinds) is the only human being who has never done anything wrong in his entire life”.

Patrick Manning is now looking into the issue, pointing fingers in Zen’s direction and asking for the nation to forgive Danah:

“I have taken very careful notice of this matter and the owner of Zen owes it to the public to take responsibility. I will be interfacing with Zen because that kind of thing should never be allowed to happen in this country.

“The owner (of Club Zen) should not be allowed to have such a kind of scene, (and) the public should forgive Danah.”

While Education Minister Hazel Manning is “saddened” by what she saw. She added that her ministry has received a request to provide counseling for Danah through the School Services Support Unit.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police Winston Cooper has launched a probe into Zen following the Akon concert citing the Liquor and Children’s Law and the fact that a minor was involved.

Meanwhile Danah’s brother pleads for her to be left alone:

“I am asking the entire nation to leave this individual alone. She is young and she has admitted her mistake. Can you imagine the stress that she is under?” Alleyne asked.

“I am asking the nation…Please, back off a bit. I listened to the radio stations and I am disappointed by all the statements that I am hearing.

“Again, I am asking the entire nation…let the healing process start. I don’t care about Zen; my focus is on Danah.”

Two things to note about the media coverage:

1. Danah name is being spelt different ways in the reporting from Deena, Danah. Her recently removed Hi5 profile had indicated Danah as the correct spelling.

2. Danah is also now reported to being 15 years of age.

My take:

1. It wouldn’t be Trinidad if politicians did not get involved.
2. Zen should be investigated, however we all know that is not getting anywhere.
3. Ian, Danah’s brother should stop making statements if they want to see this blow over.
4. The media needs to get their facts straight, they have had interviews with her right?

Your thoughts?