22 hours ago
5
The Ministry of Culture and Community Development says it is working to ensure support is provided to cultural icon Ella Andall, who is currently in the care of her son.
In a statement yesterday, Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin said she was aware of Andall’s situation and had been in discussions with relevant authorities to ensure assistance was extended to the veteran singer and her family.
“I have been in active discussions with the relevant authorities to ensure that the fullest measure of support is extended to Ms. Andall and her loved ones at this time,” Benjamin said.
She also asked members of the public to respect the family’s privacy.
Andall, whose music has played a significant role in the preservation and promotion of African heritage in Trinidad and Tobago, was described by Benjamin as one of the nation’s treasured cultural icons.
Benjamin said no cultural figure who has contributed to the country’s heritage would be neglected under her leadership.
“Under my stewardship, no cultural icon of Trinidad and Tobago will be left behind,” she said.
“Ella Andall’s voice, from ‘Bring Down the Power’ to her sacred Orisha recordings, is part of the very fabric of who we are as a people.”
Benjamin noted that Andall was recently honoured at the inaugural Miss Afro T&T Pageant, hosted by the Ministry as part of Emancipation celebrations.
She said the tribute recognised Andall’s lifelong contribution to celebrating African heritage.
“A nation that has been enriched by such a gift carries a duty of care to the giver,” Benjamin said.
The minister also highlighted the recognition of another cultural icon, calypsonian Timothy Watkins Jr, known as Baron, who was honoured on African Emancipation Day 2026 at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village.
Benjamin said such tributes must extend beyond public celebrations and include meaningful support throughout the lives of cultural practitioners.
“Celebration alone is not enough. These moments remind us that our responsibility to our cultural icons must go beyond the stage and the spotlight, into the seasons of their lives when they need us most,” she said.
Benjamin said the Ministry was working towards establishing greater protections for cultural practitioners through a framework focused on care, welfare and social support.
She said the initiative would recognise the contributions of artists not only through public acknowledgement but through practical assistance.
“This is the standard to which I hold myself and this Ministry—that those who have given their lives to define our culture will always find their nation standing with them,” Benjamin said.
Expressing appreciation for Andall’s contribution to the country’s cultural landscape, Benjamin added: “To you Ms. Andall, the nation you have sung for now sings for you.”
English (US) ·