By Alicia Chamely
JAMAICAN dancehall artist Vybz Kartel (Adidja Palmer) holds no animosity towards the government and its decision to restrict his appearances when he arrives in Trinidad at the end of the month.
In a video posted to his Facebook page on Friday, Palmer sought to express the recent controversy regarding his visit to Trinidad to perform at the One Caribbean Music Festival to be held on 31 May.
Palmer said, “Since recently I have been seeing a lot of things in the media as it relates to Vybz Kartel performing in Trinidad. There is no problem with Vybz Kartel performing in Trinidad, yuh know what I mean, the permits, the necessary permits, were granted.”
He said, “The problem lies in where the promoter took it upon himself and tried to fill Vybz Kartel itinerary with things that had nothing to do with Vybz Kartel performance.”
Palmer added, “And rightfully so, the Defence Minister, pulled the plug on that part of the itinerary and there is no problem.”
He 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.”
Before ending his video, he issued a stern warning to his promoter, whom he said earlier in the video was the cause of the entire issue for trying to book him for other appearances outside of his performances, he said, “Jacho I’ve known you for years, do better sir.”
On Thursday morning it was revealed Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge, through an immigration order, denied permission for Palmer to partake in a morning radio interview, a midday television appearance and a press drop-in to be held on May 27.
Sturge defended his decision later in the day at the post-cabinet press briefing and released an official statement on Friday afternoon.
He said due to Palmer’s previous incarceration for the 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams, for which he was released due to juror error, intelligence they had received in regard to individuals whom he is affiliated with, and the themes of his music, the government did believe it fit to allow Palmer unrestricted interactions with the public.
In his official statement, he also indicated consideration was being given to restricting the age of attendance to his concert to 18 and older.
Sturge said a final decision will be made upon the receipt of legal opinion.
