PORT OF SPAIN – Jamaican dancehall icon Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer has publicly accepted the restrictions placed on his upcoming visit to Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), expressing support for the country’s national security measures and emphasizing that his primary focus is on delivering a performance for his fans.
In an Instagram video posted on May 16, Kartel addressed growing public interest surrounding his visit, saying he had no objection to the government’s decision to limit his engagements to a single concert. The statement came just before the Ministry of National Security confirmed that a draft order had been granted to allow the artist’s entry on May 29, albeit with a scaled-back itinerary.
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Kartel clarified that unauthorized additions to his schedule, including school visits, media appearances, and community outreach events, were solely the doing of his longtime promoter, Jacho Entertainment. These events were never approved by authorities.
“The problem lies where the promoter took it upon himself and tried to fill Vybz Kartel’s itinerary with things that have nothing to do with Vybz Kartel’s performance,” the entertainer explained. “And rightfully so, the Defense Minister pulled the plug on that part of the itinerary. There’s no problem there.”
He added that he was simply eager to reconnect with his Trinidadian fan base, noting it had been more than 15 years since his last performance on the island.
“My job is to come and perform for the people of Trinidad. Big up to the outgoing government and congratulations to the new government,” he said, before lightly reprimanding his promoter: “Jacho – I’ve known you for years. Do better, sir.”
National Security Concerns Prompt Government Review
Following Kartel’s comments, the Ministry of National Security released a statement explaining the rationale behind the restrictions. Officials cited intelligence reports and recent regional incidents—including unrest in the British Virgin Islands—as grounds for limiting the artist’s itinerary.
“We could not commit state resources for an expanded itinerary. There were also concerns regarding recent events in Tortola which were relevant to our national security,” the statement said.
While Kartel has entered T&T without issue in the past, officials pointed out that the current situation demanded additional caution. However, they also acknowledged that the artist had not committed any infractions during previous visits and has traveled to other countries without violating laws.
Controversial Lyrics and Age Restrictions
The government’s review also extended to Kartel’s musical content. Defense Minister Wayne Sturge revealed that his office had received public complaints—including from religious groups—regarding the song Good Like Jesus, in which female genitalia is compared to Jesus Christ. As a result, Kartel has been prohibited from performing that song or any similarly themed content while in Trinidad.
Authorities are also reviewing whether to limit the concert audience to individuals aged 18 and older and to restrict the artist’s access to radio and television platforms during his stay.
Prime Minister: “Freedom Is Not Absolute”
Speaking at a May 15 post-Cabinet briefing, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar defended the restrictions, noting they were rooted in law and aligned with Trinidad and Tobago’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
“There is no absolute freedom and absolute right for any person in our country in our law,” Persad-Bissessar stated. “If you walk around the country today, yes, express yourself — but not at the risk of our children.”
The Prime Minister also confirmed that she personally intervened to bar Kartel from participating in school visits and media interviews, saying, “The protection of our children must be paramount.”
Promoter Responds, Concert Still On
Jacho Entertainment, organizers of the One Caribbean Unity Music Festival, issued a statement on May 16 accepting the revised itinerary and expressing full cooperation with the authorities.
“We deeply respect the laws and leadership of T&T and are fully committed to working with the authorities to ensure the success of this major international showcase of regional unity,” a spokesperson said. The concert featuring Vybz Kartel is scheduled to proceed as planned on Saturday, May 31, at Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain.
Legal Status and Public Perception
While some public commentary framed Kartel’s upcoming performance as a redemption moment following his release from prison in March 2024, Minister Sturge pushed back on that narrative. He emphasized that Kartel’s murder conviction was overturned by the UK Privy Council on procedural grounds—specifically, juror misconduct—and not on the merits of the case.
“We must not give the impression that we are legitimizing someone who was only recently released from death row for murder,” Sturge said, noting that although a retrial was denied by the Jamaican Court of Appeal, that outcome was based on time served—not exoneration.
When asked about Kartel’s claims of personal reform, Sturge was cautious.
“I don’t expect him to say he hasn’t changed — he has his own agenda. I also don’t want to say I don’t believe him. But we have to act based on evidence.”
Despite the constraints, Vybz Kartel remains upbeat about his return to Trinidad and Tobago.
“Vybz Kartel representing Trinidad, representing Jamaica. As a matter of fact, representing the entire Caribbean,” he said in closing.
