Kartel not apart of the upcoming Jamaica 55 celebrations

Despite an initiative to have inmates perform during Jamaica 55 celebrations, indications are that incarcerated deejay Vybz Kartel won't be among those displaying their talents.

Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, Senator Pearnel Charles Jr, says at the moment the convicted dancehall entertainer is unlikely to be among those allowed to grace the stage.

When asked how would they select the inmates, Charles Jr responded, "If you're asking me if Vybz Kartel is going to perform, the answer is no at the moment."

He noted that the process of selecting the prospective inmates is currently under way.

"The talents are known. They expose themselves. They are involved in other projects and programmes and everybody is pretty much aware of the persons that are artistes or persons who are involved in any kind of music, art, furniture making or anything of that sort," Charles said.

Anthropologist Dr Herbert Gayle believes the initiative should be part of a serious and sustained effort to rehabilitate prisoners rather than something just for publicity.

"If is just a checklist for someone to say that they did it, then I don't see it as a value of itself. But if it is part of a wider programme that gives these men and women a sense that says 'Look, I am seen as a human being', then it is positive," Gayle said.

Gayle believes that if Kartel meets certain criteria, he should be allowed to participate.

Source: Jamaica Star

Vybz Kartel , Jamaica 55 , No Vybz Kartel At Jamaica Celebrations