Police source: Kartel restrictions are for his own safety

A senior police source in the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) has told Newsday that the decision to limit the movements of Jamaican singer Adidja "Vybz Kartel" Palmer may be for his protection as well as the country's safety.

The comments come amid media reports that Defence Minister Wayne Sturge has ordered two media interviews and some public events to be cut from Palmer’s itinerary.

Palmer is scheduled to arrive in TT on May 26 before performing five days later at the One Caribbean Music Festival on May 31.

Reports say an immigration order has denied Palmer the opportunity to do two planned radio and tv interviews, a meet and greet, a visit to a school, and a lunch with community leaders.

Up till time of publication, Sturge had not yet responded to messages from Newsday about the rationale and legal basis behind the immigration order.

Newsday also tried to reach the Chief Immigration Officer Mary St Hill-Billouin for comment but was unsuccessful.

Speaking with Newsday on May 15, the police source said there are concerns over Palmer’s safety and a possible attack from members of a local gang.

"It doesn't come as a surprise. Last year the SIU shut down a number of these parties where artistes were coming to perform.

"The reason was that we recognised the combination between the Trinibad music and Jamaican dancehall."

The source said Kartel coming to Trinidad also comes on the heels of regional music label executive Nyron Erickson, also known as Yo'Killa, being assassinated in Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.

Meanwhile the promoter of the One Caribbean Music Festival says he has not received any official communication informing him of any restrictions on the artiste.

Speaking with Newsday, the promoter who identified himself only as Mr Anderson, said, “I did not receive any official letter from any ministry, minister or lawyer. So I don’t know what these newspapers have and where they get that information from.

“All I know is it having a Vybz Kartel show on May 31. I know nothing else!”

He said he was not told anything about a possible threat against Palmer’s life either.

“Vybz Kartel came in last year and was running up and down.

“Anytime entertainers come for a show they always have proper security details… And nobody from any ministry contact me about any threat or possibility of anything with the show.”

He said he is puzzled by the entire affair and asked if there were security concerns why he was not being told about it as it was his responsibility to ensure Palmer has adequate security.

“The promoters handle security because we apply for a police escort to and from the airport, beef up security at the hotel or AirBnB, and the night of the show has to have a lot of police.

“Up to day we have not gotten a phone call from the ministry for an interview to tell us the information they are getting and what could happen.”

Anderson said he is concerned the news may have a negative impact on the concert and ticket sales.

“It’s bad press… It will affect the event, because (fans) might think Kartel not coming again and it could have a big effect.”

He said regardless of the situation, his team remains excited and prepared and is looking forward to a successful show.