Trinidad’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Outlines Kartel’s Restrictions: “I would not let him talk to our children and do TV shows”

The leader of Trinidad and Tobago, Hon. Kamla Susheila Persad-Bissessar spoke on the upcoming visit of Vybz Kartel to the country, detailing the ‘dos and don’ts’ of the Dancehall artiste while he’s on the twin-island.

She noted that she urged the Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge to restrict the deejay from talking to the media and interacting with the children of the country ahead of his highly anticipated May 31 concert.

In a speech, the prime minister stated, “And if you walk around the country today, then yes, express yourself but not at the risk of our children. And that is one of the restrictions, I said no, I would not let him talk to our children and do TV shows. So, it’s balancing, not an absolute right, there is no absolute freedom.”

On the other hand, the Minister of Defence was questioned about the possible backlash from Jamaica on the heels of the restrictions.

He stated, “We are not fearful of any backlash, that is the first thing. Several of our neighbours have the same legislative provisions, which their respective ministers have exercised in some instances to refuse entry to some Trinidadian artistes. So, there is no backlash because it’s a discretion they can exercise.”

Days ago, after the news about his limitations surface, Vybz Kartel took to social media to blame the event’s promoter for wanting to fill his itinerary with endeavours that do not involve the show itself. As a result, Kartel stated that he has no problem with the restrictions.

As expected, many Jamaicans have been hitting back at the actions/statements by the Trinidad and Tobago officials. One person stated, “one thing is for sure trinidad love fight jamaicans yf,”a nother said, “Miss u see what they wear in carnival.”