By Alicia Chamely
VYBZ Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, will not be performing at the One Caribbean Music Festival on 31 March.
In a statement released on Saturday, just hours before he was set to take the stage, Palmer’s management team stated the events promoters were unable to fulfil certain contractual obligations.
Palmer’s team stated, “Vybz Kartel has always been committed to delivering captivating and unforgettable performances for his fans. However, we cannot in good conscience allow him to participate in an event where the organisers have not honoured their basic contractual obligations.”
They said they had given the promoters numerous opportunities to fulfil the requirements stipulated in their agreement, but unfortunately the concert’s promoters were unable to put everything in place.
Palmer’s team acknowledged the controversy surrounding Palmer’s arrival in country and thanked the government for allowing him to enter the country to perform.
The release stated, “We would like to thank the government of Trinidad and Tobago for granting Vybz Kartel permission to enter the country to perform for the One Caribbean Music Festival.”
Addressing Palmer’s fans, they said “We are hopeful that he will be able to perform for local fans in the future and would like to thank all Vybz Kartel’s supporters for their continued love and understanding, and we look forward to bringing you more great music and performances soon.”
Shortly after it was confirmed that Palmer would not be performing, Angostura Ltd put out release distancing themselves from the contract between Palmer and the promoters.
Angostura stated while they were Brand Sponsor of event, they were not involved in any contractual dealings with Palmer.
On Thursday, in an audio release, Acting Commissioner of Police (ACP) Garvin Sean Henry announced there would be a heavy police presence at the concert.
He went on to remind the public that there would be a zero tolerance policy for the use of marijuana and other illegal narcotics being used at the event.
Palmers’ performance comes after weeks of back and forth between the Ministry of Defence and his promoters.
On May 15 it was reported that Defence Minister Wayne Sturge had issued a draft order limiting Palmer’s movement while in Trinidad and Tobago.
Palmer was originally scheduled to appear on a morning television show, a morning radio show, visit a school and group, and participate in a cultural lunch with community leaders.
Sturge defended the decision based on the nature of Palmer’s music, his previous conviction and intelligence collected on his associates.
The matter was revisited, and Palmer was given the green light to participate in a radio talk show, but not during peak hours.
On May 26, Palmer was cleared to arrive in T&T ahead of his performance under the conditions that he does not appear on radio at peak times, does not participate in any group, community or official crime awareness functions of meetings. He had also been asked to adapt his performance to exclude offensive material or may be seen as promoting gang activity.
Tickets for the event were priced at $500 general, $670 general courtyard, $1,600 VIP, $2,700 VVIP and $5,000 backstage.
