Dear Editor,
I refer to a letter that appeared in the Wednesday, March 31 edition of the Stabroek News titled ‘Our leaders should note the Barbados ban on Mavado,’ written by Georgetown Mayor, Hamilton Green. In his letter the Mayor completely ignored the fact that another Jamaican artiste, Vybz Kartel, was also slated to perform at the said concert as his focus was solely on Mavado. Why? Further, he incorrectly stated that the artiste was banned from Barbados. Both Vybz Kartel and Mavado performed in Barbados on separate occasions in October and November of last year, during what was then the height of Gully/Gaza tensions between them and their respective supporters. No attempt was reportedly made then by either the government or the police to prevent those concerts, which progressed incident free. And while Mr Green urged that our local leaders note what took place in Barbados, he must also note that it was reported in the Daily Herald as follows:

“There have been suggestions in some quarters that the cancellation stemmed in part from the fact that the promoter, Jack Farrell, is Vincentian and therefore should not have been the one to promote an event of this magnitude in Barbados. ‘Mavado and Kartel sharing the same stage at a concert promoting peace and unity is huge by any standards. That is a sell-off event. And you must remember that there is a big reggae show in April, put on by promoters based here in Barbados,’ a source explained. The commissioner of police, Darwin Dottin, had stated initially that he did not have the manpower to police the show, and would therefore not grant the required permit. That, however, was subsequently reversed and Farrell, who was named as joint promoter with the government-affiliated Barbados Youth Action Programme, subsequently resumed his planning for the event.”

And Deejay Vybz Kartel offered the following statement:

“It is very unfortunate that the government in Barbados would cancel a show with two of the most influential Dancehall artists, especially a show promoting peace and unity amongst school children who take the whole Gaza/Gully phenomenon out of proportion. But we have to respect the decision of the Prime Minister – ultimately he has the well being of the nation at the center of his agenda. I am saddened that we could not perform for our anxious Barbadian fans who would have turned out in the thousands for this historic event.”

So I ask: whose actions should the Government of Guyana take note of? Mr Green’s attempt to misguide sections of the populace in an effort to further his political agenda, or these two Jamaican artistes who have no doubt recognized that the interpretation of their lyrics by mostly teenage fans has caused significant damage and are seeking to repair the same?

It should also be noted that as recently as March 30 the Jamaica Star reported that Deejay Vybz Kartel has plans to build a library in the Big Yard community, located off Mannings Hill Road in Jamaica. It was stated that he has already bought a 20-foot container which is being formatted to accommodate six computers and books, including encyclopaedias.  He also plans to buy some of the books needed for the library, but is asking persons to sponsor or send any available books that could be used. Mavado himself has been noted for significant contributions to the less fortunate in his hometown, Cassava Piece, including the distribution of clothing, computers, school supplies, etc.

Yours faithfully,
Jason Abdulla