Sampling - Addressing The Issue With Sensitivity

Friday 14th January 2011

As it relates to the issue of unauthorized sampling, RIATT is compelled to make the following statement. The newspaper articles published over the past week or so relating to this issue are in no way contributing to its resolution.

When stories are done without contacting all parties involved, they tend to stir up animosity, causing the situation to spiral out of control. RIATT’s recommendation is that this issue requires immediate mediation. In the interim we are appealing to the media, to be vigilant on this sensitive issue.

While we are aware that The Copyright Music Organization of Trinidad and Tobago (COTT) has a major role to play in all of this, sampling is not simply limited to copyrights. There are other rights involved such as the rights of musicians and producers that do not fall under COTT’s jurisdiction.

A holistic approach is needed in educating all industry practitioners on the topic of sampling.

For further information contact:
Fabien Alfonso
Email: info@riatt.org
1-868- 707-0400