Deputy Premier opposes reported ‘Vybz Kartel concert’ in BVI
Deputy Premier Lorna Smith has responded to claims that popular Jamaican dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, is being contracted by the government to perform in the BVI.
In a radio conversation with ZBVI today, Smith expressed her disapproval of the news, which she, along with many others, had heard.
“If it is true, I do not support it,” Smith emphasized.
“As Deputy Premier, I do not support it and I have no problem in saying so,” she added.
She urged that this matter should be addressed promptly, stating, “I hope that it can be nipped in the bud in terms of government support.”
Smith highlighted that it would not be appropriate for the government to engage in such an activity at this time, given the pressing issues that need to be prioritized, including the recently approved $100 million loan by the House of Assembly on Thursday, September 26.
While she acknowledged uncertainty about whether the artist is the right choice for the BVI, she reiterated that the event would be more suitable for local individuals who wish to host it.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley endorses this event featuring the Jamaican artist.
Vybz Kartel was released from Jamaican prison earlier this year after serving 13 years, following the quashing of his murder conviction by the UK’s Privy Council. His first known concert is scheduled to take place in his home country, Jamaica, later this year.
Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
what’s your take on this ❓️, let’s hear you holler out , without any racist crap
Nothing to do with race. While I love a good fete there are more important things such as fixing the infrastructure of the country. While functions such as this can be used to generate money we all know the profits would not be used towards anything that truly benefits the country.
Cindy or Wilma cannot be racist they are black
Please crawled back under that rock you came from. Society doesn’t need you!
on the yello site, the road march king dont agree with the show… so wah s and the esteemed one going to do… set of evil things.
when we have good roads from east to west from both on ridge road and the highway route then we could bring vybez kartel and ayo know kartel gon bring ppl we have rooms to hold all these ppl? or anything fun for them to do to pass time? some might say lemme go ride a jetski oh wait them thing illegal…. FIX UP TORTOLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
All you care about are the roads? How about the schools, hospitals, libraries, water supply, sewage system? There are so many things more important than bringing this guy to the BVI. Jet Skis are noisy and dangerous to swimmers; take up snorkeling or kayaking and get to know the wonders of the BVI’s waters.
I hear he is only getting $1 million for the show.
Not worth fussing over.
A killer who got off on a technicality?
The local community take every opportunity to bash, berate and persecute expatriates trying to make/find a better way of life by saying that the government is “giving away the country” by simply creating opportunities for a better way of life….but here and now, your government is literally “giving away our money” for the sake of “entertainment”. wanting to be things, while we, both locals and expats alike are suffering, right here, suffering, and mr premier allegedly talking about giving away OUR money to an artist that DOES NOT NEED for anything??? Are we being serious right now? With no regard, no care for the ppl. I personally have gone past anger to just being exhausted. Where is your outrage? expatriates cannot vote, and everyone else sitting idly by complaining but no one is standing up or speaking out against what is RIGHT IN OUR FACES!
God help us all!
The Govt most definitely,absolutely has given away and continues to give awy awy the country. A dominant excessive amount of expatriates with zero to invest and with hands wide open wanting and taking.a land mass sinking under an expatriates population of poverty and illiteracy obliterating the gem which once was. An expatriates population arriving with resources and assets could have had a BVI where the locals are benefitting monetarily from investments made by the expats. Instead quality of life is a toilet and education is at the bottom and there is no more available empty prison cells,
Building a country with garbage makes for a humandumpheap as is now the BVI.
Parasitic expatriates and with a culturan practice of any and all crimnal behaviour,in the thousands imported and installed is a definite intent at self destruction of a country. And they keep coming and oh my,how they multiply.
Unbelievably, the BVI’s modus operandi self destruct and mourn as victims ,falsely claiming and blaming the UK.
Therapy en masse is gravely needed for these self serving …
The opportunist Delila is just trying to save her political skin. It’s not going to work. You are responsible for them being in government. They would have never been the government if you didn’t join them for your own political ambitions.
Your biggest fan and supporter is suffering and dying secretly. Can you please get her a consultant Job in your ministry. She Rep. You 100%. I like how the hon. Take a position wrong or right..
A drug trafficking ex-premier, a people trafficking advisor to the premier, and now an entertainer who has done time for murder sponsored by the premier. Is it any wonder the BVI is in such a mess!
Voting has consequences. The country is reaping the benifits of voting back Natalio as Premiet
Bawl now
Too late
Little Trump
Come Uk
“voting has consequences”
If they stupid enough to fall for it take their dumb a** to the cleaners. Heads I win tails you loose.
Dear Lorna, please can you support the opposition with the no confidence vote. It will be on you if you do not because the premier cannot manage 100,000,000 dollars. For the good of the entire country, please can you return to our corner. Please please please.
Dear Opposition Members, Ronnie has proven he is not fit to be the Premier. It is his fault that the party did not unite to begin with. Please will you beg him to humble himself, take a ministry and get more experience in government before chasing for the title of head or deputy. He is still too green and so is Mitch. We need Lorna back in our corner and she might not want anything less than a deputy position. Then again, she has the financial services position which in itself is alot of work. Myron would be the best at the Head but if Lorna supports Marlon as the head, so be it. I cannot see what Marlon is doing that is so great. Can we please come to the table, negotiate and get the ball rolling.
Drastic change is needed. Drastic. If i have to hear that education minister again talking about 3 + 3 + 1, I pulling my hair out. Lorna, you have got to see something is wrong with the side you are on. Pleaaassseee Lorna. What do I have to do to convince you.
All in favour, must say “I”.
In my opinion, only Lorna has the skills and experience to be Premier. All of the others don’t have the talent (especially as so many proved that while in various Governments previously). We need to get those very competent Virgin Islanders who have avoided politics so far to stand up and put their country first. There are at least 13 who would be excellent. Get these people on board and the country can be saved. Otherwise, we’ll continue down the pan.
ROTFL…I would not go that far to say Lorna should be Premier instead of Myron or Marlon. That is getting carried away. She might be more suitable for demotion to deputy of the deputy if you consider this is her fault to start with.
Thinking about it, Kai is more trustworthy than Lorna. We need Kai in our Korna. Send Lorna to the opposition bench where she perhaps belongs and kill her no good visa waiver policy. Kai, what you say? Do the right thing. For the people. Making this move will show you in a much greater light and you will be with a much stronger and experienced team which is what you deserved from day one.
What if sister Lorna is grasshopper 2.0 … can the country really take that risk? Come on Kai. You are the young voice, the future and this country needs you to take a bold step right now. Consider it. Just my opinion.
It have people from here that win them tip of cases and the government looks down on them but outside can have the same name . But once u from the island u can come Tortola and get crown like a king. K I know you is west Bank we rob you for coc before you know who’s dis if you reading don’t slip up we looking at u All the time coming on the news with your Big speech
Others apply for a grant but this business gets a sponsorship for vybz kartel in this holy land just so…. hmmmmm.
A regular show I can understand but you must know Christian people will oppose this type of influence so why rush to sponsor it.
settle down uncle ruckus
I am frankly perplexed by the level of vitriol directed at the Honorable Deputy Premier. Her critics demand that she stand in their corner, but from my reading of the news report, that seems to be precisely what she is doing. She clearly states her opposition to government funding for the event in question, assuming the report of the Government funding it is accurate. I struggle to see how she could be more transparent. In fact, it’s rather courageous of her to take such a stance.
I often wonder what those dissatisfied with her decision to join the VIP would have had her do. In the midst of a standoff, what path would have satisfied them? If criticism is warranted—and indeed, everyone has the right to criticize—then surely it is equally reasonable to ask for an alternative course of action. What precisely should she have done differently?
Hello, anyone now waking up to that Theron (MS). When he get his hands on that mil. My boy over yonder will get money for his appeal!
I say strip them of their greedy bill earnings, take away our cars and let all dem razz suffer like us. I refuse to pay any kind of taxes and others should foll suit!!
If Vybz Kartel is “contracted by the Government to perform in the BVI” and the Deputy Premier is unaware of it, as this news article tends to suggest, then something is horribly wrong.
Cindy is me**al help her someone she hates our people
No need to castigate the messenger. If she needs help as you suggest, let’s get her the requisite help. Just don’t lose sight of the message.
Vybz heard about Premier’s 100 million so coming Road Town for a little pocket change
See ya there ..lol
She is only there to hold a space. They have her just like they had shereen; keep your eyes wide open.
Mehson all yah need to get that petition circulated, then rally from East to West, North to South,and get that immature, inco***tant, stubborn highly educated nyncon***p out of the HOA. What utter nonsense and foolishness this Administration will be demonstrating to the Citizens of the Territory much less what the world must be thinking. If monies were granted to assist a promoter in tin this event that is such a darn shame when others who wants or needs the assistance to get a more lucrative outcome.
Dr. Hon Premier Natalio Wheatley, R-7, MoF, seems unmoored from the idea that government must sponsor concerts when there are other urgent priorities. Sponsoring concerts are neither non-rival nor nonexcludable. Sponsoring concerts can be done by the private sector. Clearly, the Premier does not understand that with a1 member majority that he is a thin whisker away from being in opposition. He only has the 1 member majority through an opportunistic move, presented as putting country over party politics. The switch can happened at any time , when the benefits and incentives are gone. Six members provided the majority to form the government but 1 member can tank it. The Premier should focus on urgent and important priority issues, ie, fixing potholes, accesible and available medical care to VG and sister/outlying islands, boosting education, improving ports, providing reliable, quality water supply,,fixing wastewater system, etc. Focus on the important things which enhance residents quality of life, standards of living, etc.. Mr. Premièr. Sowande, the view of some is that you are out of your depth. Stop doing the things to make it look real..
Before we hold this event. We need to fix the roads in the b.V.I
I am opposed the so called artiste coming here. The values he promotes are bad for any society. That said, a certain irony comes to mind. Some decades ago, the BVI had a law that prohibited rastafarians or anyone who sported locks coming into the Territory. I came through EIS recently and one of the Immigration officers and both of customs on duty were sporting dread locks. That is some serious progress or a retrograde step, depending on who you ask. It seems to me that there is an appetite here for what this so-called artist spouts. This appetite is what should concern us, not his physical presence in the BVI.
While I have No problem with Mr. Kartel, I have a major problem with this Rogue Premier dipping his Hand in our Treasury taking our Money like He worked for it. I hope the Members of the Opposition do it right this time with the Vote of No Confidence, also
I hope that the opposition along with other Members of the Community get to speak with the Minister for the Overseas Territories when he comes next Month. This should be more than enough to put this Rogue premier to step down. This is insane!!!! He gotta Go!!! But don’t mind “Deceiver” saying that she is not aware. It’s a Lie!! They All know about it. $220. Thousand of our Money to fix our Country being squandered again by this Rogue Premier. He gotta Go!!!!
hard of hearing or got cognitive dissonance to understand its a private entity bringing the Gaza don? we got plenty bad man here
This is not a good lady. Just talk and promises. Think she Smart, opportunist, dangerous, can’t make a decision, but quick to Jump on the Premier who are making decisions..This said Premier gave her his support with that bad visa Waiver policy for Guyanese, though he wasn’t in favour.That’s a good man..
People in the BVI should be looking to uplift the country instead of moving toward the gutter by inviting a criminal to perform, there hundreds of artists whose music and presence would be more beneficial to the BVI.
Why is government involved with concerns period? The B.V.I is a pretty little 3rd world shi hole.
So this is the line of principle on which the Deputy chooses to take a stand? This is where she says enough is enough? Ha ha. Will see her at the show.
I wonder if the other Ministers of Government, Minister for Health, Minister for Education, Minister for Communication and Works and including, Hon. Smith can see that everytime the Honourable Premier wants to do some party or fete he finds the money. And it is not chump change either. Last I heard, Government’s money is budgeted for specified purposes. So if the Hon. Premier, God bless him, can find money for what he wants to do, then he should find money for Education, asphalt, water pipes, health, (especially light bill at our Hospitals and clinics), nurses to work overnight in VG and the list goes on and on. It is time to think about the country and not just the partying crew.
I back Lorna, she is on the right side of history for speaking out against that c**p of a premiere who put her subordinate to him in finance that he knows nothing about, while de**roy the countries infrastructure by ignoring it for parties and concerts, he is turning BVI into a ghetto, come on Lorna stand up and show the smiths etiquette that has been built over the years as professionals and resign or vote no confidence in sowandie, give the BVI the gift of a new midterms government, history will absolve you.
The BVI residents are exhausted at this government’s inability to fix the infrastructure! it seems that it will never be fixed! How long before we put events and NEEDS on HOLD because 20 years later we still cannot fix our infrastructure! we need to move on somehow!
Lorna is saying how dirty the country looks. She was elected to remediate that! Why complain when you were elected to clean up the country !! Steups !