Kartel has constitutional right to support who he wants
Published:Monday | September 23, 2024 | 12:09 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
The People’s National Party (PNP) successfully held its 86th annual party conference which was well-attended. A plethora of discussions have since taken place relating to attendance of Vybz Kartel. He has in the past given a lecture on dancehall music at The University of the West Indies, which was received and eminently praised by The Gleaner columnist and lecturer Carolyn Cooper, PhD.
During a radio interview hosted by RJR’s Dionne Jackson Miller on Beyond the Headlines speaking to the general secretary of the PNP, Dr. Dayton Campbell, on why Kartel attended the party’s conference, he stated that the party has always widely supported the cultural industries in Jamaica and, historically, various forms of music along with artistes have been infused into politics, and he is absolutely correct. It is certainly not the first time that an artiste has appeared at a party conference, so I am flabbergasted at warped comments criticising Kartel’s appearance at the PNP’s annual conference. I have no doubt that he was invited by a PNP member to attend the conference and publicly display his support for the PNP and its President Mark Golding; and he is free to do so, I might add.
There are clearly differences within the country relating to Kartel’s appearance at the PNP conference; however, from a political standpoint it was a first-class move. He is popular among the young population, and his appearance could make a positive appeal to that age demographic. He could also positively influence the uncommitted voters to cast their vote for the party as well. Kartel’s appeal among the youth and middle-age people of this country is solid, and with him now supporting the party; the PNP will benefit in significant ways going forward.
Do not underestimate the intrinsic influence that he has on a wide segment of the Jamaican population under the age of 40. His market brand is valued at hundreds of millions of dollars worldwide. What is wrong with the PNP seeking to constructively capitalise on his fame and monumental popularity to assist the party in gaining significant additional support and votes?
Taylor Swift is officially backing Kamala Harris in the 2024 US presidential race. Kartel is prominently supporting the PNP and Mark Golding.
He is a free Jamaican citizen and a highly regarded dancehall legend. Kartel is aiming to mobilise his supporters to vote for the PNP in the upcoming general election. In a democratic country such as Jamaica, he has that constitutional right to do so.
ROBERT DALLEY