Dear Editor,

I heard Nationwide News Network talk show host Cliff Hughes blasting the leadership of the People’s National Party (PNP) for having Vybz Kartel on stage at the recent PNP conference. He called Vybz Kartel a man of “questionable character” and said the PNP leadership should’ve used better judgement.

Hughes was enraged.

Now Vybz Kartel did not give a speech at the conference, he was not on the programme as an official guest. He simply attended with his lawyer, Isat Buchanan, and made an appearance to rousing applause.

Fact is Vybz Kartel is a free man with a vote. His murder conviction was overturned by the courts following the ruling from the UK Privy Council. He’s a hero to many for challenging and defeating a very broken justice system in Jamaica, which for too long has failed Jamaicans.

Vybz Kartel also appeared on TVJ as a guest judge for the popular Digicel Rising Star show. After his release he was interviewed by Anthony Miller on Entertainment Report, many tuned in. Was Miller wrong to interview Vybz Kartel?

Vybz Kartel was seen in St Vincent rubbing shoulders with the prime minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Dr Ralph Gonsalves and dining with him and his wife at his official residence. Imagine, a man of “questionable character”, a “world boss”, having such close access to political leaders?

Hughes should take note. If he thinks Vybz Kartel is not a hero, he should stay tuned, stand by, and wait for his first concert, Freedom Street, on December 31, 2024 in Kingston. Ticket prices are quoted in US dollars and selling like hot bread. You bet tourism officials will be very busy counting numbers, visitor arrivals, hotel room bookings, and revenue inflows to the city.

I wonder what Hughes would say if Vybz Kartel had endorsed the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader instead? Fact is pop culture is an integral part of elections. This is why music, creative campaigning, catchy slogans, and advertising are so intertwined in the process.

Culture sets the tone, and popular stars can impact voting, especially those undecided. Recently American pop star Taylor Swift voiced support for the Kamala Harris/Tim Walz ticket in the upcoming USA election. Taylor Swift has over 550 million followers on social media, and nearly half of adult Americans are fans, not to mention her large following of young fans who will be encouraged to register to vote when otherwise they might not have bothered.

Donald Trump, the other candidate in that election, was obviously not amused by Taylor Swift’s endorsement, he immediately tweeted, “I hate Taylor Swift.”

It seems some are feeling nervous, anxious, and insecure when big names and celebrities endorse those seeking to be elected to political office. Aren’t people like Hughes doing the same thing when they use their media outlets, influence, and platform to show support and preference of one political party over the next?

At the end of the day people are not stupid and the majority will reflect the current mood of the country and influence the outcome of elections.

P Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com