Soca superstar Kees Dieffenthaller escaped harm when he and two friends were robbed on Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook, after a performance at Aria Lounge early Saturday. According to details of a police report, which were confirmed by a close family member, Dieffenthaller had just left the lounge at around 4 am when he, an employee of a radio station and the girlfriend of the latter, a Barbados national, were accosted by two men armed with guns.
Dieffenthaller and company were walking on Ariapita Avenue, when there was an exchange of words following which the armed men said it was a hold up. His two friends were made to lie on the ground but the Soca star was allowed to stoop, when the gunmen learned of his identity. Cash, jewelry, identification cards and cellphones were taken from his two friends, while Dieffenthaller’s valuables were returned to him. Only cash was taken from the 2011 International Groovy Soca Monarch champion.
After the incident, they made a report at the Woodbrook Police Station. Attempts to contact Dieffenthaller yesterday proved futile. However, following the incident Dieffenthaller made a public statement, via Kes The Band’s Facebook page, saying:
“I was reminded of the gift of life this weekend…of how this existence is just a series of moments and how essential it is to be present in each and every one. “The barrel of a new gun tends to put things into perspective. The times we live in are real. We are called to be aware. Aware of our surroundings yes…but aware of our hearts as well.”
“It happened quickly and no one was hurt or injured but time sure did slow down. I give thanks that I can write this and live to love in another moment. “I forgive them. They are the products of the bigger problems we as a nation face today. “I hope through my experience and those of countless others people will continue to open their eyes in Trinidad and Tobago.
“See the whole picture. It is not a time to be crippled by fear but a time to stand for the true spirit that is TnT. I have a purpose and will continue to live that out. Thank you for the concern and support my friends. Blessed Love.” The robbery continues to raise concerns on the level of safety at the entertainment hub.