debut: 2/16/17
39,717 runs
Kartel gets green light for radio interviews
Defence Minister Wayne Sturge is doubling down on not allowing Jamaican dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel (Adidja Palmer) direct access to the nation’s impressionable youths. However, he has agreed to grant him two media interviews.Speaking with Guardian Media at his Temple Court, Port-of-Spain office yesterday, Sturge said the permit for Kartel will be signed soon after last-minute adjustments are made to it.The draft order, which will be finalised before Kartel’s arrival, will now allow two radio interviews during non-peak hours between 9 am to noon and 1 pm and 3 pm. Sturge said this is to ensure children are in school and away from the radios. However, an early morning television interview was denied and Sturge remains adamant that a meet and greet, a visit to a school or youth centre, and a cultural lunch with community leaders will not be allowed.
Sturge said the aim is not to punish the artiste but to ensure that his messaging is in alignment with “positivity.” While there were some changes to the first draft, he said the ministry “dug its heels in” and denied the youth meeting and community leaders meeting.“I have no doubt that his message might very well be positive and well-intended. But in the meantime, we can’t give the perception of legitimising him, having regard to recent history. But as I indicated earlier, with the passage of time I’m sure we can make an objective assessment and come up with the conclusion that there is no need for a permit in the future.”
Sturge said he could not stop Kartel’s fans from flocking to him, and it was not the intent to “micromanage” his time in the country, but said he needed to be stern on the stance of what was accepted by the ministry.
Vybz Kartel was originally scheduled to perform in T&T in February but the One Caribbean Music Festival was postponed to May 31 due to clashes with Carnival activities.
Defence Minister Wayne Sturge is doubling down on not allowing Jamaican dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel (Adidja Palmer) direct access to the nation’s impressionable youths. However, he has agreed to grant him two media interviews.Speaking with Guardian Media at his Temple Court, Port-of-Spain office yesterday, Sturge said the permit for Kartel will be signed soon after last-minute adjustments are made to it.The draft order, which will be finalised before Kartel’s arrival, will now allow two radio interviews during non-peak hours between 9 am to noon and 1 pm and 3 pm. Sturge said this is to ensure children are in school and away from the radios. However, an early morning television interview was denied and Sturge remains adamant that a meet and greet, a visit to a school or youth centre, and a cultural lunch with community leaders will not be allowed.
Sturge said the aim is not to punish the artiste but to ensure that his messaging is in alignment with “positivity.” While there were some changes to the first draft, he said the ministry “dug its heels in” and denied the youth meeting and community leaders meeting.“I have no doubt that his message might very well be positive and well-intended. But in the meantime, we can’t give the perception of legitimising him, having regard to recent history. But as I indicated earlier, with the passage of time I’m sure we can make an objective assessment and come up with the conclusion that there is no need for a permit in the future.”
Sturge said he could not stop Kartel’s fans from flocking to him, and it was not the intent to “micromanage” his time in the country, but said he needed to be stern on the stance of what was accepted by the ministry.
Vybz Kartel was originally scheduled to perform in T&T in February but the One Caribbean Music Festival was postponed to May 31 due to clashes with Carnival activities.
