Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Dr Ralph Gonsalves has thrown his support behind controversial entertainer Vybz Kartel performing in Barbados at Easter.
The Jamaican artiste, freed from prison six months ago after winning a challenge to his murder conviction, is set to perform on April 20 in the Caribbean Music Festival at Kensington Oval.
The entertainer, 49, is often condemned because of his contentious lyrics on a range of social issues. He was freed from prison last August after his murder conviction was overturned months prior by the Privy Council in London, but authorities in Jamaica were deciding whether he should be retried.
On Friday, Gonsalves said he saw absolutely nothing wrong with the singer performing in Barbados.
“I am a fan of Kartel. I am a fan,” he repeated when asked about the artiste.
The veteran Vincentian leader was heading off
to Grantley Adams International Airport on the last day of the three-day CARICOM summit being hosted by Barbados at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle, St Philip, when he paused to answer questions.
“ Vybz Kartel came to St Vincent and gave a very good message to young people about staying away from crime,” he said.
(AC)
