Adidja Jahiem ‘Likkle Vybz’ Palmer, the eldest son of Dancehall star Vybz Kartel, has donated essential supplies to six schools in Portmore through the UTG Initiative Foundation, which he co-founded with his brothers Akheel ‘Likkle Addi’ Palmer and Aiko-Don Palmer.
This effort marks the beginning of what the young entertainer hopes will be a sustained campaign to bolster educational institutions throughout the island nation.
“We decided to give back to the schools because we know that most parents are struggling to cover school fees and buy supplies for the new term,” Likkle Vybz said in a release. “We thought, what better way to help than to support the kids directly?”
The initial donation drive, conducted on August 30, focused on providing materials crucial for enhancing the schools’ infrastructure and operational capabilities. The beneficiaries, including Waterford Primary and Infant School, Portsmouth Basic and Primary, Waterford High School, and Cumberland High School, received a range of items, from school supplies to construction materials.
Among the donated items were pens, books, and markers for students and teachers, as well as cement, paint, and new bathroom fixtures — addressing both immediate educational needs and long-term facility improvements.
The Palmers’ initiative reflects a growing trend among Caribbean artists who are leveraging their influence to effect positive change in their communities. It also highlights the critical needs facing Jamaica’s education system, where many schools struggle with inadequate facilities and limited resources.
“If you saw the state of some of the bathrooms, trust me, it wasn’t good,” Likkle Vybz noted, underscoring the practical impact of the foundation’s work.
He emphasized that this initiative was inspired by his father’s longstanding, often unpublicized philanthropic efforts.
“We started in Portmore because that’s where I’m from. The idea for this initiative came from watching my father—he’s been doing things like this for years, just not always in the public eye. We’re continuing that legacy by giving back to our community.”