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PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – Do not screen the biopic "Straight Outta Compton" in St. Maarten. This was the message communicated to Caribbean Cinemas and the Censorship Committee of St. Maarten by United People's (UP) party Member of Parliament (MP) Tamara Leonard. She made her request via letters over the weekend to the Censorship Committee and Caribbean Cinemas, the only movie house in the country.
"This movie, while a biopic, has much to do with violence and antagonism against the law enforcement (police). The hit song from the movie 'F* the Police' transmits the sentiment that our officers and the law are not to be obeyed if a youngster wants to 'earn their stripes' so to speak," stated the MP in her letter.
Leonard said she respects rap music for its artistic expression and cultural place and the good choice those in the rap business make regarding their lives.
However, she wrote, "Taking into consideration the tragic incident that transpired on Front Street on Wednesday, August 5, that ultimately claimed the life of one of St. Maarten's brave police officer Gamali Benjamin, the screening of this movie would only be insensitive. The screening will show a grave lack of respect to our hard working officers who put their lives on the line for us every day."
"Straight Outta Compton" depicts many aspects of the lifestyle that "may have influenced the young men who committed the robbery on Front Street and thought nothing of it to aim a gun at a police officer with no fear or thought about repercussion for the officer, his family, the people on the street that day – residents and tourists alike," the MP said.
It is her "sincere hope" that Caribbean Cinemas will take her request for the movie not to be screened in St. Maarten. "I am communicating the same request to the Censorship Committee of St. Maarten as a formality with the HOPE that as good corporate citizens Caribbean Cinemas will see the necessity of not screening this movie out of respect, good sense and in honour of the memory of Officer Benjamin," said Leonard.
Her letter was also copied to Parliament and the Council of Ministers of St. Maarten with specific copies to Prime Minister/Minister of General Affairs Marcel Gumbs, Education and Culture Minister Rita Bourne-Gumbs, Justice Minister Dennis Richardson and Tourism and Economic Affairs Minister Claret Connor.
