Iwer George says he will release a new version of the song “Happy People” which will not include T&T’s National Anthem.

There has been heated public debate over Iwer’s use of the Anthem in his latest soca offering.

In a statement posted to his verified Instagram page, the singer said when he first heard about the uproar, he chose not to comment publicly.

Instead, he monitored social media, where he said persons were engaging in “healthy discussions” about the song, the Anthem itself and the protocols that go with it.

He also took note of this week’s comments by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley who said he believed the National Anthem should not be used in such a way, since it has a profile and a place that no other song has.

In addition to re-releasing “Happy People” on Friday, Iwer has also asked persons to delete the previous version.

He says the aim of the song was to bring T&T back to a place of “proudness, respect, love and happiness”.

He also explained that he decided to use the Anthem initially since he saw it as belonging to the people and is a song that people should not mind “hearing every day, all day”.