Despite having his murder conviction overturned last year, Vybz Kartel’s controversial past is still cause for concern for some. This after Trinidad and Tobago Defence Minister Wayne Sturge reportedly issued an immigration order against the dancehall artiste, who is scheduled to perform in the country later this month.
According to reports from the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian, the deejay’s movements will be restricted when he visits the twin-island republic. Sturge, reportedly citing the deejay’s legal history as reason for the restriction, confirmed he had cut a scheduled morning radio interview, a midday TV appearance, and a local press drop-in on May 27. Additionally, Kartel has been barred from participating in a meet and greet, a visit to a school or youth centre, and a cultural lunch with community leaders on May 28.According to the news report, the minister raised concerns about his interactions with the country’s vulnerable youths.
Speaking with the Splash following news of Sturge’s decision, local industry insiders say while talks of rehabilitation are a huge part of the judicial system, instances like these raise questions on whether changed behaviour is desired by the powers that be.Highlighting that Vybz Kartel has repositioned himself as a family man solely focused on his career and kids, music industry executive Julian Jones-Griffith said Sturge’s decision does not bode well for rebirth after imprisonment.
“The whole reason for locking up criminals is to rehabilitate and in any sense, Kartel’s criminal record is clean of the murder charges he was locked up on. Since he was released from jail, Kartel is a changed man. He’s been encouraging youths every chance he gets and you’re denying him the chance of potentially imparting a message of peace and steering clear of certain things,” Jones-Griffith said. “We should be embracing him instead of shutting him down because that doesn’t make any sense whatsoever. What’s the point of jail if not to rehabilitate?”
Vybz Kartel was freed of the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams and was released from prison in August 2024 alongside his co-accused Shawn “Shawn Storm” Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andre St John. This after their appeal to the Privy Council was successful. Their convictions were overturned on the grounds of juror misconduct. The local legal system then decided not to have the matter retried.
