Victory for culture - Grange celebrates as Dub Club promoter walks free

Culture Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange said yesterday that the throwing out of the case against the Dub Club owner Karlyle Lee, popularly known as Gabre Selassie, is a vindication of the position she took at the time of his arrest.

Gabre Selassie and Rahay Mooyan, a selector at the event, who were charged with breaches against the Noise Abatement Act, walked free when they appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.

"Dismissal of the case has proved that I did not speak improperly in my statement of April 24, expressing my concern and regret that the incident had happened, especially on the same day when Carnival was being held," Grange said.

Better relationship

"The ruling also underscores my view that there is need for a better relationship between the police and our communities in which respect is shown to all, irrespective of the sectors they represent," she added.

It was alleged that Lee and Mooyan were operating the popular roots reggae event without a permit at Skyline Drive in St Andrew, and the party was shut off, and the men were arrested.

However, the matter was withdrawn when it was brought before the court on Friday.

The prosecution explained that the investigating officer had withdrawn the matter after providing documents to show that the accused indeed had permits and were operating legally.

Lee was also charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and indecent language, but they were also withdrawn.