Jamaican Gov’t Denies Role In Popcaan’s UK Detention, Rvssian Says He’s Flagged Too

Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith yesterday sought to dispel claims that the Andrew Holness administration had anything to do with Popcaan’s continued detention at the airport each time he enters the UK, but not long after, Billboard-charting producer Rvssian said that he too, has been had his name similarly being flagged whenever he travels to the United States, due to machinations of the Government of Jamaica.

“Sparks, yeah my name was also given by Jamaican government to USA to be stopped… been like this for over a year and half.  @andrewholnessjm I need to know why as well,” the producer noted on ZJ Sparks page where Popcaan’s issue was shared.

However, despite the Minister’s denial of Government involvement in the Popcaan saga, the Unruly boss’ attorney Bert Samuels has heaped blame at the feet of State actors of the Andrew Holness administration for what transpired.

On Tuesday afternoon, Popcaan had taken to Instagram to announce that once again he had been detained by immigration officers at an airport in the UK.    He shared his woes on his Instagram stories and tagged Prime Minister Andrew Holness, while calling once again, for a resolution.

“They just give me this paper and detained me; because of information that was sent by my country that I should be stopped everytime I’m here.  I wonder why.  Mr Prime Minister of Jamaica, I would like to draw your attention to this once, again,” Popcaan had stated.

On Tuesday, Johnson Smith denied assertions that the Government was involved in the flagging of Popcaan’s name, this after artiste manager and booking agent Shelly-ann Curran asked for clarification about the incident with Popcaan.

“Hon Min @kaminajsmith there is a situation in Uk involving @PopcaanMusic where he is detained and asked to do so by JA Govt … we need to know why ?” Curran had asked.

In turn, the Minister had responded: “Dear Shelly Curran, The Govt of JA has not requested that Popcaan be detained, but there are many reasons why a traveller may be detained. I have asked the High Commission to enquiry into the matter as early as they are able, so that they may advise,” she replied.

However, Bert Samuels, Popcaan’s attorney had insisted on Tuesday, that it was agents within the Jamaican State who had put the red flag on the Forever artiste.

“Popcaan’s harassment at Heathrow airport is as a consequence of the Jamaican state putting a red flag on his name. Can you believe an artist who carries our flag high and with no criminal record being embarrassed in foreign country because his own country says he is a wrong doer?” he tweeted on Tuesday evening.

Popcaan’s harassment at Heathrow airport is as a consequence of the Jamaican state putting a red flag on his name. Can you believe an artist who carries our flag high and with no criminal record being embarrassed in foreign country because his own country says he is a wrong doer?

— Bert Samuels (@BertSamuels) July 6, 2022

Some of his followers, however, dismissed the idea that Jamaican government officials were creating mischief on Popcaan.

“Seems to me Bert is more into PR and image management than provision of legal services. Did the ‘government’, as you assert, have reasonable grounds to act, or was it motivated by malice and pure spite? Perhaps you could enlighten us?” one follower, Ras Anthony noted.

“So, Eminent Council, on what grounds you base the claim that Poppy is flagged by Jamaica? England nuh have the Right fi pull anybody entering THEIR Country anymore??? Verbal Waste, Methinks!” Damion wrote.

Others said that Samuels’ statement about State involvement was reckless and frivolous.

“The minister @kaminajsmith has said the govt has done no such thing. Isn’t this an irresponsible statement? I’m sure you’re going to similarly post the evidence you have,” sweetmusicman said.

“Bad man if Jamaican government did put a red flag on Andre Sutherland name, he wouldn’t make it to the airport.  That’s the British government jurisdiction… but once again anything for clicks and likes,” akankrow said.

However, Samuels later shot back: “To the doubters on my Popcaan tweet – Popcaan travels to the UK on a visa issued by the UK. If they ( the UK) had an issue with him would they have granted a visa ? Would they cancel the visa if they subsequently discovered an issue ? So whose intelligence is acting out here?”

To the doubters on my Popcaan tweet – Popcaan travels to the UK on a visa issued by the UK. If they ( the UK) had an issue with him would they have granted a visa ? Would they cancel the visa if they subsequently discovered an issue ? So whose intelligence is acting out here ?

— Bert Samuels (@BertSamuels) July 6, 2022

 

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