Several public figures, including dancehall entertainers, made headlines at the 86th annual conference of the People’s National Party (PNP) held at the National Arena in Kingston on Sunday. Among the most notable was dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel, who made a surprise appearance at the event.
Kartel, recently freed from a murder charge in July after serving nearly 13 years in prison, captivated the audience despite not addressing the crowd. He wore an orange handkerchief covering his face, as he did the day he was released from prison.
The cheering inside the National Arena was deafening as fans and party supporters eagerly tried to catch a glimpse of the ‘Worl’ Boss’. Kartel, who hails from Waterford in Portmore, St. Catherine, appeared at the podium alongside his attorney, Isat Buchanan, who formerly chaired the PNP’s Human Rights Commission.
While Vybz Kartel remained silent, Buchanan took the opportunity to rally support for PNP President Mark Golding, stating, “The message that I want to say is that we are fighting for the youths of this country; the future, for freedom, for justice, and the constitution… so just know that we are supporting Mark Golding 150 per cent.”
The event also featured other notable figures, including the eccentric LA Lewis, Popcaan, and Maroon chief Richard Currie. Lewis drew attention by making a significant donation to the PNP during the conference. He took the stage to present a large bundle of US dollars, stating, “It is valued at over $2 million in Jamaican money.”
Lewis’s donation was met with loud cheers from the crowd, highlighting his support for the party’s cause.
Kartel’s recent release and appearance at the PNP conference have sparked speculation about his potential support for the party, further solidifying his connection with the PNP in light of his recent release.
Just a few weeks ago, the entertainer spoke on possibly entering representational politics in the future.
“… Mi neva have nuh political aspirations growing up, but a one ting mek mi coulda run fi MP inna di future (and it’s) jus’ to show di people dem dem seh, yo, unuh life betta. Politicians can duh more, yuh know dem ways deh?” he asked rhetorically in a one-minute clip posted on social media.
