Dear Editor,

Why would anyone even have to consider whether Vybz Kartel should be allowed to record (I assume for commercial purposes) after he is sentenced to prison?

The answer should be an unequivocal no. Let him serve hard labour as penance for the dastardly act he has been convicted of — the murder of Clive Williams; chopping him up “fine, fine”. Kartel should be made to understand that when he committed that crime and was convicted, he forfeited his right to dictate terms to anyone.

Are we simply saying that all our justice system is doing is changing the locale in which he will record? And will someone be in charge of vetting his lyrics, or will it be more of the same murder lingo that he has been spewing for such a long time? Kartel and others like him need to be sent the strongest signal that our society does not mollycoddle vicious murderers.

One of my regrets is that it appears we no longer require prisoners to break copious amounts of stones in the midday sun. That is how prison terms for murder should be spent.

I know there are those who say that he has family, including children, to support. He should have let that dissuade him from illegal acts. I am sure the “Worl’ Boss” has already amassed a small fortune through his Gaza Empire. Let that be used to support those who depend on him.

Additionally, as far as I am concerned, and I don’t know if our Courts have that power, his Empire should be made to compensate the dependents of the deceased.

If Kartel wants to “sing”, let him entertain the prison population. He may just develop a whole new set of fans.

Stephen Harrison

St Mary

stepharrison28@gmail.com