Trinidad defence minister limits Vybz Kartel public engagements ahead of concert

Trinidad and Tobago’s newly appointed Defence Minister Wayne Sturge has moved swiftly to restrict the public itinerary of Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel, who is set to arrive in the country later this month.

According to a legal source within the ministry and reporting by the Trinidad Guardian, Sturge has prohibited the artist—born Adidja Palmer—from participating in several scheduled media and community events ahead of his May 31 performance at the rescheduled One Caribbean Music Festival.

Vybz Kartel is expected to arrive in Trinidad on May 26. However, an immigration order issued by Sturge blocks him from appearing on a morning radio program, a midday television show, and a local press drop-in scheduled for May 27. Additional restrictions have been placed on activities planned for May 28, including a meet-and-greet event, a visit to a school or youth centre, a cultural lunch with community leaders, and an official public welcome.

In a brief statement to Guardian Media, Sturge acknowledged the changes and expressed concern over Kartel’s influence on young people, citing the artist’s legal history. His exoneration was not based on merit but on a legal technicality, the minister reportedly said, adding that a full media release will be issued shortly.

Vybz Kartel had initially been scheduled to perform in Trinidad in February, but the event was postponed to May. He was freed of a murder conviction in 2024 after the UK-based Privy Council overturned the 2014 verdict on the grounds of juror misconduct. The case, which involved the 2011 killing of Clive “Lizard” Williams, had drawn significant attention across the region.

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Although the Privy Council quashed the convictions, it left the decision on a retrial to Jamaica’s Court of Appeal, which ultimately ruled against pursuing a new case against Palmer and his co-accused, including fellow entertainer Shawn “Shawn Storm” Campbell.

Despite being legally cleared, Vybz Kartel’s presence in Trinidad and Tobago appears to remain a sensitive issue, particularly in light of concerns about the messaging and reach of his music.