[UPDATED] Dancehall star accepts restrictions on TT visit — Only love from Kartel

JAMAICAN dancehall star Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer says he has no issue with restrictions placed on his upcoming visit to Trinidad and Tobago, and has instead lightly scolded his promoter for planning unauthorised engagements.

Kartel addressed the matter in an Instagram video posted on May 16, shortly before the defence ministry issued a statement announcing a draft order had been granted to allow the artiste to enter TT on May 29.

The changes tentatively remove a list of previously advertised events, including school visits, media appearances, and community outreach – none of which had been approved.

“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,” Kartel said.

“And rightfully so, the defence minister pulled the plug on that part of the itinerary, and there’s no problem there.”

The entertainer said his sole focus was performing for fans.

“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,” he added.

“Jacho (the promoter) – I’ve known him for years. Do better, sir.”

Kartel’s video was posted shortly before the ministry issued a statement, confirming the itinerary changes were made in the interest of national security and the protection of children.

The statement said his ministry had received intelligence that prompted closer scrutiny of Kartel’s visit.

“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 Ministry said.

While Kartel had previously entered TT without incident, the statement said new concerns warranted the intervention.

However, the ministry said other factors were considered.

“The draft permit granting permission to enter the jurisdiction took account of the fact that the artiste had not committed any infractions while in the jurisdiction, as well as his record of being permitted into other countries without violation of the law.”

Sturge also addressed Kartel’s controversial lyrical content, revealing his office had received complaints from citizens and religious groups about the song Good like Jesus, in which female genitalia is compared to the Christian figure.

“Kartel will be prohibited from performing that or any other material of a similar nature while in TT,” he said.

He added that a legal opinion was being sought on whether the concert itself should be restricted to patrons 18 years and older, and whether Kartel should be barred from radio or TV appearances entirely.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar backed the decision at a post-Cabinet briefing on May 15 after the decision was reported in the media, saying that individual rights do not exist in a vacuum.

“There is no absolute freedom and absolute right for any person in our country in our law,” she said.

“Minister Sturge has made a policy decision within the law that this is offensive and therefore does not strike the proper balance.”

Persad-Bissessar said it was her decision to bar Kartel from visiting schools and doing TV interviews.

“If you walk around the country today, yes, express yourself. But not at the risk of our children.”

Asked about possible backlash from Jamaica, Sturge said TT was within its rights.

“Several of our neighbours have the very same legislative provisions which their respective ministers have exercised – in some instances to refuse entry to Trinidadian artistes. So there is no backlash because it’s a discretion they can exercise. He cited TT’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which is incorporated into domestic law, and said protecting minors took precedence. “So the protection of the children must be paramount.”

A spokesperson for Jacho Entertainment, the organisation responsible for promoting the One Caribbean Unity Music Festival, also issued a response on May 16.

“We deeply respect the laws and leadership of TT and are fully committed to working with the authorities in accordance with all guidelines and protocols provided to ensure the success of this major international showcase of regional unity.

“We look forward to a scheduled discussion with the authorities and the Worl (sic) Boss to finalise his complete itinerary, but his much-anticipated performance remains set for Saturday May 31 at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain.”

Sturge also pushed back against claims that Kartel had been “vindicated” by the courts, noting the Privy Council had quashed his conviction on procedural grounds, not on the merits of the evidence.

“What we must not do is give the impression that we are giving legitimacy to someone who only recently released from death row for murder and who’s conviction was not overturned on merit,” he said.

When asked whether Kartel’s claims of personal reform were taken into account, Sturge replied, “I don’t expect him to say he is not reformed, he has his own agenda. I also don’t wish to say I don’t believe him, but we have to act on the basis of evidence.”

Kartel, was released from prison in March 2024 after the UK-based Privy Council overturned his murder conviction due to juror misconduct. The Jamaican Court of Appeal later ruled against a retrial, citing the time he had already spent in custody.

Despite the limits on his itinerary, the entertainer expressed no hostility toward TT officials and instead focused on his long-awaited return to the local stage.

“Vybz Kartel representing Trinidad, representing Jamaica. As a matter of fact, representing the entire Caribbean,” he said.

This story was originally published with the title Vybz Kartel accepts TT itinerary restrictions, tells promoter to ‘do better’ and has been updated to include additional details. See original post below.

JAMAICAN dancehall star Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer says he has no issue with restrictions placed on his upcoming visit to Trinidad and Tobago.

Kartel said the promoter Jacho Entertainment, not he, was responsible for planning the scheduled visit outside of the concert. The artiste called for Jacho to “do better.”

In an Instagram video posted on May 16, he addressed government’s decision to limit his activities when he arrives on May 26.

“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,” he said. “And rightfully so, the Defence Minister pulled the plug on that part of the itinerary and there’s no problem there.”

He added: “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 (the promoter) – I’ve known him for years. Do better, sir.”

Defence Minister Wayne Sturge addressed the matter a day earlier at a post-cabinet briefing, saying the restrictions were necessary to protect the nation’s children.

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 TT’s own laws in defending the decision. “The protection of the children must be paramount,” he said.

Also at the post-cabinet briefing, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar supported the move, saying, “There is no absolute freedom and absolute right for any person in our country in our law,” she said.

Persad-Bissessar also said it was her idea and decision to restrict Kartel’s itinerary.

His itinerary initially included a visit to a youth centre, a meeting with community leaders and radio and television appearances, organised by the promoter.