Vybz Kartel Reunites With Children, Fiancé During “Family Day” At Prison: See Photos
‘King Of Dancehall’ Vybz Kartel has shared new photos of himself reuniting with fiancé Sidem Oztürk, and his sons Likkle Vybz and Likkle Addi for the first time since 2016. The incarcerated artist also met his grandson for the first time and revealed that he has another grandchild on the way.
Jamaican prisons hold a “family day” three times a year, where, in contrast to regular visits, inmates can see their whole families, including children.
“Convicted inmates receive one visit per month but family day is when the entire family visits. Generally, children are not allowed into correctional institutions except on that day. We try to have at least three [per year],” explained Joyce Stone, deputy Commissioner of Corrections (DCC) at the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).
“Unlike regular visit days where 15 minutes or so is allowed, family day activities allow for children to come see their parents and for bonding. It’s like more of a fair, in that they come and have background music and we do popcorn and hot dogs for the children while they get to see their parents.”
The activities were scaled back in recent years due to the pandemic.
Kartel, Likkle Vybz, and Likkle Addi were seen posing for the camera in photos taken at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre, known as GP. Their mother, Tanesha ‘Shorty’ Johnson, who was present for a prior family day, was absent.
“It was a double Vybz! #VybzKartel & #LikkleVybz,” the Dancehall star’s Instagram account captioned one photo with his eldest son.
On another with Likkle Addi, the account wrote, “Almost a decade me G. One of the best days ever @likkleaddi.utg ❤️❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾”.
“Last Time I saw di G dem before now #2016,” he added.
Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, also met his first grandchild, Adidja Adiem Palmer, and the child’s mother, Britney Hearne, for the first time.
“Words can’t explain how I feel in this picture. It’s just a speechless feeling. #mygrandsonandi #historicmoment #adidja1and3 #BabyG ❤️🙏🏾 #GodistheGreatest,” he wrote.
In another post, he revealed that Hearne was pregnant with his second grandchild. “My Daughter in Law & Grand CHILDREN……!!! #1brit @britneyhearnee,” Kartel hinted.
And finally, a new photo with his fiancé, Sidem Oztürk, a former British resident of Turkish descent, now living in Jamaica, was also shared.
He wrote in the caption: “Worried about me? Go worry about weak men. All I know is Strength. Us? She and I are Stronger than Ever Together. We Will have the Last Laugh. God is The Greatest!”
However, several fans have expressed worry and concern about the entertainer’s health and physical appearance.
“Why World Boss look like he got gout,” one person asked. “This really breaks my heart inu man 😢Jah Jah. Ntn bout this nu funny either,” another person said.
“Not making fun of him being sick but I’m sure that head full a songs to be released …free kartel now man,” one person added, while another quipped: “Where Kartel get bleaching cream from?”
Earlier this year, Isat Buchanan, the lawyer representing Kartel, revealed that the Dancehall star is suffering from an autoimmune disorder known as Graves’ disease and two heart conditions.
“Mr. Palmer’s condition is life-threatening,” Buchanan said.
“His face is actually swole (swollen) and as I said, one a di things is, he always wears glasses because the condition that he has causes his eyes to protrude.”
Kartel has been locked up since September 2011.
He, fellow artist Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, and associates Kahira Jones and Andre “Mad Suss” St John were all given mandatory life sentences in 2014 for the murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams, which prosecutors say took place at the Worl’ Boss’ house in Havendale, St Andrew in 2011.
During the trial, prosecutors had relied on the sole eyewitness, Lamar “Wee” Chow, who testified that he and Lizard were summoned to the house over missing guns. According to Wee, while Kartel was questioning them about the guns, Jones held Lizard from behind while he (Wee) immediately ran into another room. Wee explained that Kartel and Campbell forcibly brought him back to the room, where he saw Lizard lying motionless on his back, with Jones bending over him and St. John holding a concrete block in his hands. Wee claimed that he feared for his own safety, so he fled again, this time running from the house by climbing over a gate.
Lizard’s body was never found, but prosecutors presented evidence of text messages found on Kartel’s phone, which suggested that the body was chopped up “fine fine” and disposed of.
Kartel was initially given 35 years before being eligible for parole.
In 2014, the Jamaica Court Of Appeal largely upheld the conviction but reduced his parole serving time to 32 years and six months.
Earlier this year, the UK Privy Council, Jamaica’s final court of appeal, rejected Vybz Kartel’s efforts to introduce fresh evidence and additional grounds for appeal in the matter. However, the main arguments in the appeal are still to be heard.