Vybz Kartel Speaks Out After Trinidad & Tobago Concert Controversy: Video
In a video statement released on Friday, Vybz Kartel explained what led to Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Minister Wayne Sturge ordering that parts of his travel itinerary in the country be cut.
Kartel is scheduled to arrive in Trinidad and Tobago on May 26 ahead of his performance at the One Caribbean Music Festival on May 31. While the artiste’s main reason for travelling to the country was the concert, other events were added to his itinerary, including a radio interview, a television appearance, a meet and greet, a visit to a school/youth centre, and a cultural lunch with community leaders.
In a video on his Instagram page, Kartel explained that there is no problem in regard to his performance in the country. According to the deejay, all the necessary permits were acquired by the event’s organisers. However, Kartel shared that the promoter took it upon himself to add additional appearances to his itinerary.
“The problem lies in where the promoter took it upon himself and try to fill Vybz Kartel itinerary with things that had nothing to do with Vybz Kartel performance. And rightfully so, the defence minister pull the plug on some parts of the itinerary, and there’s no problem there because Vybz Kartel represent fi Trinidad, represent fi Jamaica. As a matter of fact, wi represent fi the entire Caribbean,” Kartel said.
The artiste went on to state that he misses performing in Trinidad as he hasn’t performed in the country for over a decade. Kartel also appeared to call out the promoter for the event, stating that he has known him for years and that he should do better.
After blocking the events from Kartel’s itinerary, Defence Minister Sturge said that the decision was based on the artiste’s past conviction for murder. The minister highlighted that the overturning of Kartel’s conviction “was not based on merit but on a legal technicality.”
Watch the video with Kartel below.
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