“A Commentary on the One Love Festival Concert”
By Apostle Cedric Moss

Click Below to Download the Brochures:
Trina Up Close (www.bahamasissues.com/brochures/Trina_Up_Close_brochure__revised.pdf)
50 Cent Up Close (www.bahamasissues.com/brochures/50_Cent_Up_Close_Brochure__Revised_.pdf)
Elephant Man Up Close (www.bahamasissues.com/brochures/Elephant_Man_Up_Close_Brochure.pdf)
Note: To view these brochures you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader click here to download it now. (http://download.com.com/redir?pid=10205470&merid=50607&mfgid=50607&ltype=dl_dlnow&lop=link&edId=3&siteId=4&oId=3120-2378-10205470&ontId=2378&destUrl=%2F3001-2378-10205470.html) http://www.bahamasissues.com/images/get_adobe_reader[2].gif


Unless there is further governmental or divine intervention, on September 6, 2003, under the guise of entertainment, the wonders of high class sexual prostitution, gangster criminality, drug use and drug trafficking will be extolled in song by those and for those who see nothing wrong with it. As sad as that is, even sadder is the fact that this event is being accommodated on government property and facilitated by government permits. Yes, I’m referring to the controversial “One Love Festival” concert.

In my view, in spite of the “plastic” conditions stuck to the most recent approvals, the government of the Bahamas has committed a calamitous compromise.

The Trio
Scheduled to appear at the One Love Festival are Katrina Laverne Taylor (a.k.a. “Trina”), Curtis Jackson (a.k.a. “50 Cent”) and O’Neil Bryan (a.k.a. “Elephant Man”).

According to press reports, the Department of Immigration initially refused permit applications for the trio. Then, as the story goes, the Department was put in the unenviable position of being directed by the government to reverse their refusals and instead give approvals with conditions. This to my mind is a calamitous compromise. It begs the question, “Why?”

Many Questions
Why would the Bahamas government publicly humiliate the Director of Immigration and his team and bend over backwards to accommodate Trina, 50 Cent and Elephant Man so that they can appear live in the Bahamas to sing about values and behaviour that daily challenge the Ministries of National Security, Social Services and Health?

What gains will accrue to the Bahamas from persons whose performances are low grade and laced with criminal, obscene and profane lyrics? Why accommodate individuals who will perhaps take hundreds of thousands of dollars out of the country from the proceeds of tickets and fan paraphernalia in a fragile economy? Do we need to embellish the messages of prostitution, criminality and drug use and drug trafficking in our nation? Answers are needed to these and other obvious questions that point to a calamitous compromise.

Who’s Fooling Who?
If this situation was not so serious, we could all enjoy a good laugh at the supposed “conditions” attached to the latest approvals. First of all in other countries, these types of conditions are almost always breached. The first condition requires that no profane, obscene or criminally incensing language is to be used in the performances. In order to fulfill this condition, the performers will have to mime because the lyrics of their songs are laced with profanity, obscenity, vulgarity and criminality. Will the police be charged with the responsibility to listen closely above all the noise for objectionable content or to turn a deaf ear?

Another condition is only persons eighteen years and older can be admitted. It is obvious that representatives of the event’s promoters will be responsible to determine who is/looks 18. Charging them with this admission responsibility is as wise as posting rats to guard cheese….its just too tempting and will not work. If the concert takes place, this will be the biggest breach.

Now here is the real question that shows how thoughtless and meaningless the conditions are: If the performers are to abide by the condition to keep their language clean, why can’t minors be admitted? Is this because the government really does not expect the “keep it clean” condition to be obeyed? Conditions like these force you to ask, “Who’s fooling who?”

A Smoke Screen?
So much attention has been given to 50 Cent that some have wrongly called this event “The 50 Cent Concert”. Thus little or no attention has been given to Trina and Elephant Man. In my view, the lyrics of Trina’s songs (all that I’ve seen) make 50 Cent and Elephant Man seem like Sunday school teachers. So I wonder: Is all the attention on 50 Cent a smoke screen to prevent any focus on Trina?

Up Close Brochures
Having researched the background and music of Trina, 50 Cent and Elephant Man, I had brochures prepared for decision makers with lyrics from some of the songs of each performer. We called these brochures “Up Close” and hand delivered them to ALL Cabinet Ministers and key decision makers like the Director of Immigration and the Commissioner of Police. You can also download the brochures by clicking the following links:

Click Below to Download the Brochures:
Trina Up Close (www.bahamasissues.com/brochures/Trina_Up_Close_brochure__revised.pdf)
50 Cent Up Close (www.bahamasissues.com/brochures/50_Cent_Up_Close_Brochure__Revised_.pdf)
Elephant Man Up Close (www.bahamasissues.com/brochures/Elephant_Man_Up_Close_Brochure.pdf)
Note: To view these brochures you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader click here to download it now. (http://download.com.com/redir?pid=10205470&merid=50607&mfgid=50607&ltype=dl_dlnow&lop=link&edId=3&siteId=4&oId=3120-2378-10205470&ontId=2378&destUrl=%2F3001-2378-10205470.html) http://www.bahamasissues.com/images/get_adobe_reader[2].gif

These decision makers would have read the lyrics of Trina’s “Da Baddest B****H” and “Hustling” that glorify vulgar, high class prostitution. They certainly would have read the lyrics of “Bump Dat Street Mix” and “How to Rob” by “50 Cent” in which he extols gunning down people before they gun you down and other criminal behaviour. And yes, they would have read the lyrics of Elephant Man’s “Bun It” that talk about trafficking drugs and smoking weed day and night to assist with meditation.

The information provided to our decision makers is glaring and graphic so they cannot plead ignorance. And so I again ask: Why the calamitous compromise?


Take Your Medicine
The government would do well to recall the arrogance of the FNM government who went ahead with the referendum in spite of calls from many sectors of society for it to be postponed. After agreeing to support the proposed amendments, our present government (then in opposition) changed their mind and called on the FNM to abort the referendum.

Parents, teachers, Church leaders, media professionals, law enforcement officers and responsible persons from all sectors of society are publicly and privately calling for the government to correct this calamitous compromise. So in the matter of the permits granted to Trina, 50 Cent and Elephant Man, I believe the government would be wise to change its mind for the last time and cancel those permits. We have come to learn that it is far better to self administer the over the counter medicine of humility rather than to have the medicine of humiliation prescribed and forced down your throat.

Let’s Stand & Believe
To those who, like me, are believing that Trina, 50 Cent and Elephant Man will not perform here at an event facilitated and sanctioned by the Bahamas government, let’s not allow our faith to be neutered by the news and other reminders that approvals have been given. God has been faithful to give us a treasury of examples in His Word about how He brought His people victory when ALL seemed lost. Let us hold faith in our God, and believe that some how, some way, our prayer will be answered either by governmental or divine intervention or perhaps both.

Apostle Cedric Moss serves as Senior Pastor at Kingdom Life World Outreach Centre. Comments and feedback may be directed to: apostle@kingdom-life.org

i think its crazy to let them perform here, we dont have to import gansters, we have enough. Rap is mostly about killing or cussing, thats been that way for years, I used to be 'into' rap years ago and when I was living in New York. But as I grew up I realised what it really is. Though Id admit i still listen to things like Eminem, I dont think it is right for kids, or young thugs who live up to every word these rappers say. They look at them as cool and want to be or do what they do.

Anyway, its a dumb move for the government giving the c rime and gang involvement in Nassau. Its just asking for more trouble, especially with the teens that will attend.

As for underage attendance, just look at the night clubs, if you can pay you can come in. There is no such thing as carding here.

And is it bringing money into the country ? Doubt it, The rappers will get most of it, and the promoters Im sure. And if some is going to the gov, where is it going to go, to crime prevention, gun control, because after this it will sure need to!

50cents is from the ghetto, probably the other 2 also, their music is all about robbing, killing etc, as most rap and reggae these days. I remember about 10 od dd years ago, the government banned public music such as rap and reggae, because they KNEW it causes local bahamian thugs to fight, rob, and pillage. Night Clubs were forbidden to play reggae (not sure about rap), and things calmed down and there were less shoot outs, knifings etc in night clubs.

Now look at it, every major night club has had a stabbing, some fatal, some all the time.

Rory

You wrote: "According to press reports, the Department of Immigration initially refused permit applications for the trio. Then, as the story goes, the Department was put in the unenviable position of being directed by the government to reverse their refusals and instead give approvals with conditions. This to my mind is a calamitous compromise. It begs the question, "Why?""

Could it be the old Roman saying? "Give the people bread and Circus." This indeed will be a "Circus!" However, there seems to be nothing that we can do about it. I will not be going and I am sure you will not be found there! That is all we can do, vote with our feet!

I am not a Christian, I am a Buddhist, but I find these people's music offensive. However, for those who enjoy it - enjoy! For those who wish not to have their ears assaulted, and insulted stay home and read an improving book.

OH MR MOSS. WHEN THE FNM DID'NT DO WHAT YOU WANTED YOU THREW YOURSELF BEHIND THE PLP. SO NOW PLEASE STOP WHINING. I DON'T WANT 50 CENT HERE EITHER BUT YOU VOTED THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT IN SO NOW WE BOTH HAVE TO ABIDE BY THEIR DECISION. SORRY!

Pepper:

You can't be serious! You must only be interested in finding out how I voted in the last general elections to offer such a riciculous post to a serious matter.

How I have voted in ALL past elections is not a secret since I have liberally shared it. Your post clearly shows you are trying to find out.

Last, for your information, when I vote I vote for an individual, not a party. Individuals own seats not parties. I don't know if your voting system is different but the last time I checked, voting for persons and not parties is the system in the Bahamas. Yes these persons belong to parties, but they own the seat, NOT their parties.

I'm sure that if you were not hiding your real identity behind "pepper" you would not have the courage to post such a ridiculous reply.

Please do better next time and if not, have the courage to register in your own name and then reply.

Forgive me if I am missing something, but everthing I hear about 50 cents already exisits in abundance here in the Bahamas and will continue to exsist whether he performs or not. We were dealing drugs, shooting one another, raping, committing adultry,sleeping with teenagers, abusing alcohol, lying, cheatin' and teefin' for too many years to honestly believe 50 cents could make any difference. As a matter of fact if he were still a gangster we could probably teach him a thing or two. So lets stop the hypocrocy. Besides the kids have been watching him on BET for years. We are underestimating your young people.

Andris:

I agree with what you have said, except, a live concert is not the same as intermittent appearances on low grade BET and 100Jamz.

Additionally, my central point is that the government committed a calamitous compromise to embarrass the Director of Immigration and his staff to bend over backwards to bring people who will only help to embellish our social degradation that you rightly pointed out. Further, the government's actions put them in the situation of accommodating this trio on government property and facilitating them with government permits which for good reasons were denied initially.

As a nation, we have to seriously decide if the ideas promoted in music are of any consequence. I think so. And bad ideas produce bad results and good ideas produce bad results.

Many are concerned with the word censorship but the reality is that we already have censorship. So the question is not censorship or not, it is how much censorship. It is my belief that the majority of Bahamian people will agree to ban low grade music of the likes of Trina, 50 Cent, Elephant Man and others.

I believe we need an exercise to measure the pulse of the nation on issues like this and others with social implications.

Is the Director of Immigration wholly responsible for deciding who comes in our country or who does not? 50 Cent,Trina and Yellow man may sing and glorify anti-social behavior but should not individuals make up their own minds to attend this 'One Love Festival'. Apostle Moss your intentions may be right in trying to prevent this trio from performing here but we still live in a society where individuals, as long as they don't hurt anyone, are responsible for their own decisions, not the church and not the government. Apostle Moss you have preached your message for everyone to hear and if anyone agrees with you, I am certain they will not attend this concert. On the other hand, there will be those persons who heard your message and still disagree by attending. That is still their choice and theirs alone.

I thank God for brother Moss and all the other decent minded citizens for speaking out against this outrageous decision to allow 50 cents and the others to perform here. I still can't bring myself to believe that our government has given approval for such a concert to be staged in our Bahamaland.

This is outstandingly shocking and repulsive, considerig the reputation these people have. I hope and pray that some supernatural event would occur and stop this concert before it starts, and that the patrons would be given their money back.

Presently, we are plagued with many crimes and just about every other antisocial behaviour imaginable. Why should we import more?

But one day soon, I believe, God will invoke signs and wonders in this land. One day soon a generation of young people will emerge, an anointed people filled with godliness and holiness. They would bring about the necessary changes needed to bless this great country and its people, changes that no government has ever wrought or even been minded to perform. Then many of us who are steeped in wickedness and ungodliness will be reformed. And God Almighty will heal our land!

Great Demos

Originally posted by Great Demos
But one day soon, I believe, God will invoke signs and wonders in this land. One day soon a generation of young people will emerge, an anointed people filled with godliness and holiness. They would bring about the necessary changes needed to bless this great country and its people, changes that no government has ever wrought or even been minded to perform. Then many of us who are steeped in wickedness and ungodliness will be reformed. And God Almighty will heal our land!

Great Demos

they will need alot more then just believing in GOD or going to church, its like that now but that doesnt stop them sinning! Some morals, respect, and common sense, not religion, are needed to be taught here, if it is taught through churches then so be it, once it is taught. Nassau is a ghetto like harlem, praying and drinking and robbing and shooting, on every corner! ;;;; Why is it that there are more churches in the ghettos than in the relatively crime free suburbs. Its good, religion and all, but something else has to be done, as they arent following the religion they claim to belong to.

As long as we have people like Great Demos praying to an unseen spirit in the sky and expecting a supernatural phenomena to prevent this concert from coming off then we will always have anti-social problems because Great Demos lives in a fantasy world. Great Demos certainly does not live in this one which requires a rational approach with a concrete plan of action as oppose to wishful thinking. You christians need to stop beating your brests and tearing your sackcloths over this issue because it appears nothing you say is going to prevent this concert from happening. Focus more on your congregants and perhaps 50 Cents and Trina wouldn't have a so many followers as you do.

Thanks Rory, I like your views. I believe there are so many bad influences around that are messing up peoples' minds. It seems that when problems arise, not enough effort by the authorities in this land is made to correct them. Drugs, Gangs, Rapes, Child molesting, Stray dogs, Bad roads, Robberies, terrible treatment and unfairness to employees on many jobs -- and the list goes on and on.

And, as I believe you know, most problems left unsolved would continue to get worse! I remember some years ago the former PM made a statement that was very defeatist. It clearly seemed that he had given up on solving and fighting crimes!

During my school years, we used to look up to the school teachers, whom we regarded with great respect: People like Carlton Francis, E.P. Roberts, T.G. Glover, Margaret McDonald, Cecil Bethel, and many others. These were great Bahamians and they were our models.

It is said that today the young people have no role models. I don''t know whether this is true. But this is a Christian nation, and if all else fails, they can always model Jesus Christ. And this is what I believe will happen, because they will reach a stage where they will see that He is our only hope! He is our soon coming KIng!

Great Demos

"Give unto Caesar that which is Caesar's...and to GOD that which is GOD's."
--Yeshua Bar Yoseph--
"Live by the sword, die by the sword."
--Yeshua Bar Yoseph--

"As a matter of fact if he [50 cent] were still a gangster we could probably teach him a thing or two."
--"Andris"--

Well said Andris. I put forth that we render to "Little Caesar" the very sword he presents. Let's do this by giving him a taste of his own "medicine."

Since 50 Cent is "all 'bout that money..."

I say The Govt. should charge him $500 for every profanity and $500 for every questionable contextual he uses and a minimum of $50,000 for every public disturbance. (Whether he directly or indirectly instigated by him or his music.) Or, perhaps I'm being too lenient in my suggestion? Any seconders?

What does the people of a nation do when their leaders have turned their back on God?

Let me ask a few questions:
Isn't our Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Christians?
If so then why are we even having this conversation?
Doesn't the Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister have the power to say who can enter this country and who can't?
Are we not a Christian Nation?
Then why are we allowing something to happen that is going against what the Bible teaches?
Why would the Prime Minister allow music what he himself would not even play in his home be played in a public area around children the same age as his?

Someone is lying here and it isn't God.
If we are going to be a Christian Nation lets be a Christian Nation.
Let us elect true believers to lead our country and who will love our children just as they love theirs.

Who will take the Government serious anymore when they talk about fighting Aids, Crime and other social ills? I wont!

Its like they are throwing gas on a fire that we are trying to put out.

What does the people of a nation do when their leaders have turned their back on God?

Bear in mind that we were warned about this in Samuel 8. And admonished even before then in Joshua. Choose whom you will serve.

Let me ask a few questions:
Isn't our Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Christians?

Amongst other things, yes they are.

Background information:
1. The Queen Victoria Statue. Closely resembles a certain tarot card. If you do your research and find out which tarot card it resembles and it's meaning- you may obtain a piece on an age old conundrum.
2. Rawson Square. Is not monikered "Square" by accident. Futher study on the connotations of the word "square" and certain 'civic' organizations may give you another clue.
3. The Study of Sacred Geometry.
4. The rumored spiritual significance of North East. and the product of occult placement and construction.

If so then why are we even having this conversation?

Because some answers are still unclear, and some people have to see in order to believe.

Doesn't the Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister have the power to say who can enter this country and who can't?

You mean people like "Kojak" and "The Man Who Sold The 1st P.I. Bridge". LOL . On a serious note, yes to a certain extent.

Are we not a Christian Nation?

No, if we were, we'd be The Commonwealth of The Christ. But we're The Commonwealth Of The Bahamas.

Then why are we allowing something to happen that is going against what the Bible teaches?

Are we? I thought what was happening was prophesied.

Why would the Prime Minister allow music what he himself would not even play in his home be played in a public area around children the same age as his?

From the fashion and form in which The Prime Minister dances, one may ascertain that the music he plays in his home may be no better/no worse.

Someone is lying here and it isn't God.

Correct.

If we are going to be a Christian Nation lets be a Christian Nation.
Let us elect true believers to lead our country and who will love our children just as they love theirs.

I wish you the best in your endeavors, but you know what they say..."If you put dung in one hand and wishes in the next, which'll fill up faster?"
There's only ONE TRUE CHRIST.

Who will take the Government serious anymore when they talk about fighting Aids, Crime and other social ills? I wont!

Join the club.

Its like they are throwing gas on a fire that we are trying to put out.

Or bringing toenail clippers to a gunfight.