By Demion McTair. Updated 7:33 a.m., Thursday, August 22, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Jamaican and international dancehall star – Adidja Azim Palmer, known as Vybz Kartel said he visited St. Vincent and the Grenadines purely for medical reasons after being invited, but his visit here is linked to his upcoming December 31st concert in Jamaica.
The entertainer who was recently freed of a murder charge and was released from prison on July 31 after serving 13 years of his sentence flew to St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) on August 16, just a day after getting his new Jamaican passport.
Speaking to local entertainers and creatives on August 21 at La Vue Hotel, the entertainer who suffers from Graves’ disease said he has been seeing a Cuban endocrinologist here and another specialist.
He said it is important that he gets his health back on track as his upcoming performance in December, the first in 13 years, will be a 3-hour performance and he needs to be fit.
He said his performance would cover hits he never got to perform since he was incarcerated, older hits, and conscious music.
Mr. Palmer lauded the medical treatment he has been receiving in SVG. He praised the medical professionals for their efficiency, adding that he has been receiving the best treatment here. He also praised his Jamaican medical specialists who he said took care of him while he was in prison, describing their work as remarkable.
The entertainer also revealed that he needed a change of environment due to the mental impact his incarceration has had on his well-being, hence his decision to travel out of Jamaica temporarily to seek medical attention.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves who attended the event disclosed that his invitation to Kartel was purely out of concern for the entertainer’s health and well-being and has nothing to do with politics.
He said that based on the recommendations of the Cuban endocrinologist and the Vincentian medical specialists here, there is a possibility that Mr. Palmer could be transferred to Cuba for additional treatment and that St. Vincent and the Grenadines, due to its close and strong relations with Cuba will facilitate that transfer, if needed.
Meanwhile, Mr. Palmer highlighted the hospitality of the Vincentian people and expressed thanks to former West Indies cricketer – Mr. Marlon Samuels for facilitating his first visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, adding that he plans to buy land and establish property here, an announcement that was met with huge applause from the country’s entertainers who were present at the event.
The entertainer who said he will focus on conscious music as he moves forward with his career encouraged Vincentian artistes to stay out of trouble.
Responding to questions, he revealed that many of the feuds between himself and other entertainers were purely for entertainment purposes and that he maintains a good rapport with his counterparts.
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