A promotional social media video jointly produced by the St. Vincent and The Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA) and La Vue Hotel and Beach Club, featuring Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel, has sparked a range of reactions among Vincentians and Jamaicans.
The video, which premiered four days ago on Instagram, showcases Kartel extolling the beauty and allure of St. Vincent and The Grenadines while his hit track Summertime plays in the background.
In the video, Kartel encourages viewers to consider St. Vincent and The Grenadines as their next vacation spot.
“Hey, planning a vacation? Wanna spend time in a nice Caribbean getaway? This is Vybz Kartel, and take my advice, come to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. You know what I mean? Doh? OH!” a smiling Kartel said.
The post was captioned: “The 32 beautiful islands and cays of St. Vincent and The Grenadines are the perfect destination for your rest and relaxation. @vybzkartel SEY SO! DOH? OH!”
Some Vincentians expressed enthusiasm for the promotional effort, while others criticized the decision to use Kartel as a spokesperson due to the fact that he was recently released from prison, following his murder charge acquittal by Jamaica’s Court of Appeal.
Among the critics was Instagram user themilligansvg, who questioned the “business sense” of the collaboration, noting that even Sandals, a Jamaican brand, chose not to have Kartel endorse their hotel in St. Vincent.
“This is pure nonsense! Why would a reputable organization use this person to promote our beautiful island? Do we want more of the same here? How does this person help our brand? Whoever authorized this needs to have their head examined,” themilligansvg wrote.
The user then added: “We want to attract the world, and we need a positive image to do so. This caters to small-minded persons who have no perception of the global outlook. Who or which executive in this organization would take this decision just for the ‘likes’? Pure foolishness!”
In contrast, d4sholistics defended the decision, arguing that Kartel’s influence could attract more tourists to St. Vincent and The Grenadines.
“As a business person, you need to learn to keep your emotions in check. I’ve seen several Jamaicans saying this is their next vacation spot. Vybz Kartel is an internationally known artiste; anything he endorses often ‘sell off.’ Do you know what this endorsement will do for Vincy? You being in the hotel industry should be happy. You will benefit from this,” he declared.
On Wednesday, Television Jamaica (TVJ) reported that a Vincentian attorney had also voiced concerns, stating that using Kartel as the face of St. Vincent and The Grenadines’ tourism could be detrimental to business.
In response to the TVJ post, some Jamaicans were divided on the matter, while others supported Kartel’s involvement, citing his potential to boost tourism.
“Kartel’s promotion of tourism in that country is very good for business. Y’all don’t see it because his prison record blinds you. Give the man some grace!” one man remarked, while another woman added: “If it wasn’t for Kartel, I would not have known St. Vincent is so nice”.
The Jamaicans expressing objection were not so graceful.
“Mi wudda vex too if I was from that country!! That’s the best you could do, Prime Minister Ralph??? Such shame!” one woman said, while another declared, “1, he is Jamaican. 2, he has a criminal record. 3, what good can he contribute to this island if he hasn’t for his own?”
During Kartel’s recent visit to St. Vincent and The Grenadines, he rubbed shoulders with the country’s Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who is also known by several nicknames, including the “Vincy World Boss” and the “5 Star General.”
Gonsalves later clarified that the decision to accommodate Kartel in the country was a “personal act of mercy.”
Speaking on his weekly radio program on state-owned NBC Radio, Gonsalves explained that Kartel’s lawyer, Isat Buchanan, had contacted him regarding medical treatment for Kartel’s Graves’ disease, a condition that affects the thyroid.
Gonsalves also mentioned that Kartel has a child with Vincentian roots.
“I mean, we’re facilitating because the impulse came from a simple word called mercy. Somebody who is in need is reaching out for help,” Gonsalves had said.
Responding to criticism about aiding a convicted criminal, Gonsalves declared that: “the highest court in the land has freed him. The reason why he is out is that he’s deemed not guilty of the crime that he was charged with”.
