Gaza hoping for Kartel’s freedom

Residents of 'Gaza' in Waterford, Portmore, are on tenterhooks as they await a decision from the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council on the fate of one of their favourite sons, Vybz Kartel.

The dancehall superstar has appealed his conviction and sentence for the 2014 murder of Clive 'Lizard' Williams. His plea to the Court of Appeal in Jamaica was unsuccessful, forcing the entertainer to head to the country's final appellate court for a decision.

When THE WEEKEND STAR visited Waterford, residents had already gathered to discuss the case. They said that the interest in the proceedings are high, and expressed delight that they could follow the matter as it was argued in before the five law lords at the England-based court.

"Not even work mi nuh guh from morning, enuh, mi deh yah a watch it. All yesterday di whole a wi out yah, enuh, all big screen and big box string up, enuh. Everybody deh pan di live a listen," said one resident.

Vybz Kartel, whose given name is Adidja Palmer, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Clive 'Lizard' Williams and is to serve a minimum of 35 years before he is eligible for parole. He was convicted alongside fellow artiste Shawn 'Shawn Storm' Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St John.

A resident with whom THE WEEKEND STAR spoke said that based on his assessment of the arguments made to the law lords, Vybz Kartel has an 85 per cent chance of being freed.

"Dem need fi free di boss, look how long him in a prison, free world boss a dat wi seh," said another resident.

Lawyers for Kartel and his co-convicts have argued that they were not granted a fair trial and called on the law lords to quash the conviction. However, the lawyer representing the government of Jamaica has requested that a re-trial be ordered if the privy council concludes that the 2014 proceedings were unfair.

However, Waterford residents are hoping that the verdict will mean nothing less than freedom for the 'World Boss' and his friends.

"Mi hope dem free him, gi di man a second chance, worst him sick, dem cah mek him dead a prison. Di whole world want him come out 100 per cent, di whole world love Kartel because what is dancehall without Kartel?" one resident remarked.

While another resident told THE WEEKEND STAR that since Kartel's conviction he has not been to any stage show and does not intend to return until his favourite artiste is freed.

"Wi love wi artiste, enuh, from him gone mi nuh guh nuh stage show, enuh, mi nuh guh nuh weh, pan mi pickney dem life a my artiste dat, guh stage show guh watch who and di boss nuh deh a road?"