Waterford residents celebrate freeing of Vybz Kartel

Jubilant cheers echoed throughout a section of 'Gaza City' in Waterford, Portmore, St Catherine as news came of the freeing of dancehall entertainer Vybz Kartel by the Court of Appeal today.

The community was eerily quiet when a Gleaner team arrived before the court handed down its decision.

Residents gathered under a tree as they listened intently to a radio broadcast.

The silence was broken when the court ruled that Kartel and the other men should be freed.

The air was filled with chants of "Freedom for Kartel!"

One jubilant supporter exclaimed, "Mi tell them from last night sey Kartel a go free, we expect progress in the community now that he is free, Jamaica number one entertainer."

Under the watchful eyes of security forces, a groundswell of well-wishers took to the streets, eagerly awaiting the return of Kartel and the men to the community.

The anticipation was palpable as fans believed his release marked a new chapter for the community.

- Ruddy Mathison

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