(Jamaica Observer) REGGAE artiste Luciano has cancelled his upcoming African gigs in Malawi, Ghana and South Africa in light of the current Ebola virus outbreak on that continent.
According to a statement from the entertainer, his ill health as well as the request from the Jamaican Government helped form his decision. “Complying with strict doctor’s orders, [I] have been prevented from performing at any shows scheduled in this period,” the statement read in part.
“Additionally, the Government of Jamaica has also requested that individuals who had planned on travelling to Africa refrain from doing so until the Ebola epidemic has been controlled,” it continued.
The statement, however, did not specify the ailment afflicting the artiste at this time.
Luciano noted he is saddened by the spate of reported cases and deaths from Ebola in Africa, adding his hope that this situation will be resolved shortly.
Last Friday, Minister of Health Fenton Ferguson issued a warning to members of the entertainment fraternity, encouraging them to refrain from taking up trips and tours to Africa at this time in light of the outbreak of the disease.
The minister noted that while he understood the need for artistes to earn an income, it was selfish to put the entire county at risk.
There are no Ebola cases in Jamaica.
The countries affected by Ebola include Senegal, Sierra Leone, The Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia.
According to the World Health Organisation, the virus has killed more than 3,000 people.
