Vybz Kartel Makes Surprise Appearance At PNP’s 86th Annual Conference
Dancehall star Vybz Kartel made a surprise appearance at the 86th annual conference of the People’s National Party (PNP) at the National Arena in Kingston on Sunday. Kartel, freed from prison in July this year after 13 years behind bars, appeared at the podium alongside his attorney, Isat Buchanan, the former chairman of the PNP’s Human Rights Commission.
His presence electrified the crowd, especially when the DJ played some of his hard-hitting tracks, including Never Scared (Nuh Fraid A Nobody). Kartel raised his fist in a salute and flashed his signature three-finger Gaza symbol while the crowd erupted.
Buchanan, who also delivered a speech at the conference, had to urge the crowd to settle down, saying, “Greetings all, I just want to tell everybody that everything we do is guided by God and time. And that time is now. For this conference, the message I want to send is that we are fighting for the future of this country.”
The attorney emphasized that the party was fighting for “the future, the freedom, justice and the constitution” of Jamaica, adding, “The message that I want to say is that we are fighting for the youths of this country… so just know that we are supporting (PNP President) Mark Golding 150 per cent.”
This marked Kartel’s first major public appearance at a political event since his release.
In an interview with Anthony Miller of ER following his on-stage appearance, Kartel stated, “I am not psychic but you know we just deh here fi represent for out people at this time politically and you know the Vybz is nice so a deh so the thing deh.”
When asked what he would change about Jamaica’s political landscape, Kartel responded, “What bothers me and what disturbs me a the same sentiment as the people weh deh right yah suh share, thats why I am here, so Missa Golding will make it clear.”
Since his release, Kartel has expressed interest in entering representational politics, citing current representatives’ neglect of basic needs. During an interview with Buchanan last month, he mentioned the possibility of running for Member of Parliament. “Come in like me haffi go just run fi MP because chatting sometime nuh go nuhweh inuh, sometime you haffi get involved, but we will see,” he had said.
Kartel’s presence at this year’s conference follows a similar appearance by reggae star Buju Banton at the PNP’s 85th conference last year, a few years after his own release from prison.
LA Lewis and Maroon chief Richard Currie also attended this year’s conference.