Despite having his murder conviction overturned last year, Vybz Kartel’s controversial past is still cause for concern for some. This after Trinidad and Tobago Defence Minister Wayne Sturge reportedly issued an immigration order against the dancehall artiste, who is scheduled to perform in the country later this month.

According to reports from the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian, the deejay’s movements will be restricted when he visits the twin-island republic. Sturge, reportedly citing the deejay’s legal history as reason for the restriction, confirmed he had cut a scheduled morning radio interview, a midday TV appearance, and a local press drop-in on May 27. Additionally, Kartel has been barred from participating in a meet and greet, a visit to a school or youth centre, and a cultural lunch with community leaders on May 28.

According to the news report, the minister raised concerns about his interactions with the country’s vulnerable youths.

Speaking with the Splash following news of Sturge’s decision, local industry insiders say while talks of rehabilitation are a huge part of the judicial system, instances like these raise questions on whether changed behaviour is desired by the powers that be.

Highlighting that Vybz Kartel has repositioned himself as a family man solely focused on his career and kids, music industry executive Julian Jones-Griffith said Sturge’s decision does not bode well for rebirth after imprisonment.

“The whole reason for locking up criminals is to rehabilitate and in any sense, Kartel’s criminal record is clean of the murder charges he was locked up on. Since he was released from jail, Kartel is a changed man. He’s been encouraging youths every chance he gets and you’re denying him the chance of potentially imparting a message of peace and steering clear of certain things,” Jones-Griffith said. “We should be embracing him instead of shutting him down because that doesn’t make any sense whatsoever. What’s the point of jail if not to rehabilitate?”

Vybz Kartel was freed of the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams and was released from prison in August 2024 alongside his co-accused Shawn “Shawn Storm” Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andre St John. This after their appeal to the Privy Council was successful. Their convictions were overturned on the grounds of juror misconduct. The local legal system then decided not to have the matter retried.

Agreeing with Jones-Griffith, dancehall artiste Laden said someone’s past, especially when they have been deemed innocent in the eyes of the law, should not be held against them.

Laden, whose real name is O’keefe Aarons, also has a past with the criminal justice system. The entertainer was released from the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre back in 2023 after serving almost 30 months of a four-year prison sentence for illegal firearm possession. He expressed that if one admits their wrongs, accepts their punishment and serves their time, no one reserves the right to use their troubled past against them.

“Kartel has been on a positive since he was released, a just ‘baay’ love him a share so I don’t see why someone should use the artiste’s past against him like that,” Laden expressed. “It’s unnecessary and unfair. If the United States can see it fit to give the artiste the right to travel and go about doing his work the way he wants to, why we as the Caribbean affi fight him down? I have been through the system and did my time and mi wouldn’t like nobody to use my past against me. I faced the consequences of my actions so I shouldn’t be restricted from doing my job as an artiste.”

Meanwhile, Raymond “Shadow” Small, director of communications for Prism Marketing Consultants, shared similar sentiments as he outlined that the region should be focused on second chances.

“While Trinidad and Tobago has every right to protect its borders and prioritise the safety of its citizens — particularly its youth — the immigration restrictions placed on Vybz Kartel, which prohibits him from engaging in media, school visits, and community events, raise important questions about how we in the Caribbean approach rehabilitation, reintegration, and cultural expression,” he shared.

“Kartel remains a polarising figure whose past transgressions and controversial lyrics cannot be ignored. However, following his release due to a legal ruling that emphasized due process, his treatment should reflect the region’s broader commitment to justice, second chances, and constructive dialogue. Instead of opting for outright exclusion, regional governments might consider implementing frameworks that allow for conditional participation, community engagement, and cultural accountability.”

Vybz Kartel, who since his release from prison has performed to sold out crowds in Kingston, New York and the British Virgin Islands, is scheduled to perform at the One Caribbean Music Festival in Trinidad and Tobago on May 31. He also has shows lined up in Miami, Guyana, Atlanta, Baltimore, French Guiana and Atlantic City. He is also scheduled to perform at Reggae Sumfest on July 18.