Album Notes

The Big Story

The Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) have started Criminal proceedings against local world beat Artiste and radio station owner Solomon for allegedly operating a radio communications service without a license granted. However, in a counter move Solomon sought and was granted leave by the High Court of Trinidad and Tobago for Judicial Review against the TATT for their actions.

Sidewalk Radio commenced broadcasting on January 1st 2006, and within eight months of broadcasting had factored on a national survey as eleventh out of thirty three radio stations at the time, which was excellent considering the fact that the radio was receiving harmful interference by another community radio station which was supposed to be based in Point- Fortin but had illegally started transmission as a national radio. This condition was ascertained by TATT

Born Solomon Gabriel and grew up in the village of Moruga, this talented individual has so many variations to his nature. Prolific songwriter, musician, entrepreneur and recently owner of Radio Station, Sidewalk Radio 92.1fm(soon to be 92.3fm); Solomon known to some as the Moruga man, the King of Songs and the Caribbean Giant, have broken barriers that many fear to draw near. (Yes, his own radio station)

Some consider him a visionary, others a revolutionist, but whatever you want to call him, the fact still remains he is an artiste that thrives to make a difference in this “hard to make a difference” concept world.

His views are highlighted in the powerful lyrics he pens out on his songs that are full of soul and energy. His style of music boldly alternates with an assortment of world beat fusions. His chosen genre, however, is roots-rock-reggae with an alternative tip.

Solomon’s “stand for something other fall for anything” attitude makes him a revolutionary thinker very open about his views about the current issues affecting the society in Trinidad and Tobago and the world at large.

Recently Solomon took a stand against the inept Judicial System in Trinidad and Tobago and staged a one-man protest in front of the Hall of Justice to highlight this plight.

Solomon allowed anti smelter programs to be aired at liberty on his radio station by the anti- smelter group who is taking issue with the construction of the Aluminum Smelter, which the Government of Trinidad is proposing to build. Massive protests were staged and Solomon ensured that his radio, Sidewalk Radio 92.1fm stood firm as one of the radios boldly standing up against the construction of the Aluminum Smelter in Trinidad and Tobago.

His stance obviously for a good cause may have had a negative impact on the relevant authorities since mere weeks after heightened publicity of the anti- smelter campaign by his radio station, the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago seized the broadcast equipment of Sidewalk Radio 92.1fm which led to its eventual shut down.

The Telecommunications Authority claimed that the radio did not have a license where the evidence at hand was contrary to that allegation.

The matter concerning the Telecommunications authority and Sidewalk Radio is now before both the Magistrate Court and the High Court. Solomon was summoned under the section 36 (1) (A) of the Telecommunications Act of 2001.Solomon faces a fine of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250 000) and five years imprisonment if found guilty of this charge.

Solomon also took a stand against the corrupt Judicial System in Trinidad and Tobago Staged a one-man protest in front of the Hall of Justice to highlight this plight.

On Monday 11 December 2006, Sidewalk Radio 92.1fm broadcast equipment was seized by the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago and the owner Solomon Gabriel was summoned to the Court to face Charges of operating a Radio Communications Service ‘without a license’.

The trial starts on Tuesday 15th May,2007 at the Tunapuna Magistrate's Court, Trinidad.

Solomon says “Let wisdom dictate”.