PORT OF SPAIN – The Jamaican dancehall artiste, Vybz Kartel, Friday said he had problem with the restrictions announced by the Trinidad and Tobago authorities for his upcoming visit to the country.
Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer said in a video posted on social media that the promoter of the May 31 concert, Jacho Entertainment, is responsible for planning the scheduled visit outside of the concert.
“There is no problem with Vybz Kartel performing in Trinidad. The problem lies where the promoter took it upon himself and tried to fill Vybz Kartel itinerary with things that have nothing to do with Vybz Kartel’s performance. And rightfully so, the Defence Minister pulled the plug on that part of the itinerary and there’s no problem there,” Kartel said.
“My job is to come perform for the people of Trinidad. And I miss performing because I haven’t seen you guys in over 15 years. So big up to the outgoing government and congratulations to the new government. Jacho, I’ve known him for years. Do better, sir,” the artiste said.
Defence Minister Wayne Sturge, speaking at the post Cabinet news conference on Thursday, confirmed that the restrictions were necessary to protect the children of Trinidad and Tobago.
He said Kartel, who was released from prison in 2024 after his murder conviction was quashed, would be allowed to perform at a pre-approved concert but is barred from media interviews and community visits.
Sturge cited the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and Trinidad and Tobago’s own laws in defending the decision, saying “the protection of the children must be paramount”.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar also supported the move saying “there is no absolute freedom and absolute right for any person in our country in our law”.
The government is prohibiting the artiste from doing a morning radio interview, a midday television appearance, and a local press drop-in on May 27. He is also blocked [from] a meet and greet, a visit to a school or youth centre, a cultural lunch with community leaders and an official meet and greet on May 28.
Kartel was originally scheduled to perform here in February, however, the One Caribbean Music Festival was postponed to May. (CMC)
