Durrant Pate/ Contributor

Controversial Jamaican dancehall artiste, Vybz Kartel has signed a deal to perform in the British Virgin Islands in March 2025.

The deal was signed with BVI local event promoter, Steve Parillon of YOLO Promotions. After much public speculation, it has been made official that the performance will take place. A video circulating on social media shows Parillon and Vybz Kartel signing a contract for the March event, during which the artiste declared, “the comet is coming,” seemingly referring to himself.

BVI Premier, Dr Natalio Wheatley is reported to have been closely involved in contracting the artiste. However, he has not responded to questions from BVInews.com to clarify his involvement.

Two government ministers have spoken out against the event, starting on the weekend that they were uncertain about the accuracy of the information but indicated that if true, they would not support government involvement.

Ministers stating their position

In a conversation on ZBVI radio last Friday (October 4), Deputy Premier Lorna Smith expressed no objection to a local individual hosting the event independently but emphasized that it was not the right time for government involvement. She argued that the territory has larger issues that need to be prioritized first.

Minister for Communications and Works, Kye Rymer echoed this sentiment in a separate conversation with ZBVI. Vybz Kartel, whose given name is Adidja Palmer, was released from a Jamaican prison in July after 13 years when the Court of Appeal decided against a retrial for him and his co-accused. The ruling came after the United Kingdom’s Privy Council quashed the men’s conviction and asked for the local court to determine whether a retrial should be held. 

Vybz Kartel’s first known concert is set to take place in Jamaica at the National Stadium on December 31, 2024. The concert, dubbed, Freedom Street is organised by Downsound Entertainment.