Trinbagonian authorities have today (May 29) cleared controversial Jamaican dancehall megastar Vybz Kartel to perform at the One Caribbean Music Festival.

The festival is scheduled for this Saturday at the Queen’s Park Savannah in the capital, Port-of-Spain.

Vybz Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, has received his permit from the local authorities, according to sources close to the Jacho Entertainment organising committee, which is putting on the event.

The TT Guardian is reporting that the official letter stamped by the Ministry of National Security and dated as at May 26, is labelled as Form 17 from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is subtitled “Immigration Regulations” and “Permit Issued By The Minister Under Section 10 (1) of the act 22/2025.”

The permit reads: “This permit enables Mr Adidja Azim Palmer, holder of Jamaican passport no. (XyZ123) issued on August 12, 2024, to enter and remain in Trinidad and Tobago for a period of seven days.”

Details of the permit

The permit further outlines conditions under which Palmer can do radio interviews (between 9:00 am – 12 noon and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm), prohibits the trending artiste from participating in any group, community or official “Crime Awareness Functions” or meetings and asks that his performance repertoire be adapted to “exclude material that may be considered offensive for example the song ‘Good Like Jesus’ “. 

The permit also further states that Palmer “must not communicate any words or engage in any activity which may likely be construed as promoting a gang, contrary to the provision of the Anti-Gang Act.”

Jonathan Gomez, digital marketing lead for the One Caribbean Unity Music Festival, told Overtime Media in the twin-island Caribbean republic that the clearance “paves the way for the top trending event of the weekend to welcome the top trending artiste”. 

According to him, “The Worl’ Boss has now been officially cleared to arrive and perform in Trinidad, so all roads lead to the Queen’s Park Savannah this Saturday night, where Vybz Kartel will deliver an electrifying performance, alongside some of the nation and the region’s top acts. Tickets are still available at all advertised outlets and from our online providers. Kartel returns to the stage in Trinidad this Saturday for the first time in 15 years, so this historical night is not to be missed. See you all there!”