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Vybz Kartel’s triumph over adversity a testament to change—Premier Wheatley

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley has claimed to be Vybz Kartel's biggest fan from the Virgin Islands. Photo: Facebook
Mr Steve E. Parrillon, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of YOLO Promotions, the mastermind behind the event said tonight’s concert will bring to reality Vybz Kartel’s fans' dreams of him one day performing in the Virgin Islands. Photo: Facebook
Mr Steve E. Parrillon, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of YOLO Promotions, the mastermind behind the event said tonight’s concert will bring to reality Vybz Kartel’s fans' dreams of him one day performing in the Virgin Islands. Photo: Facebook
Jamaican Dancehall artist Vybz Kartel will headline the YOLO Promotions' Black on Black concert tonight, March 15, 2025. Photo: YOLO Promotions/Facebook
Jamaican Dancehall artist Vybz Kartel will headline the YOLO Promotions' Black on Black concert tonight, March 15, 2025. Photo: YOLO Promotions/Facebook
VILLAGE CAY, Tortola, VI – Thirteen years of incarceration, a murder conviction overturned, and a journey marked by trials and transformation—internationally celebrated Jamaican Dancehall legend, Vybz Kartel born Mr Adidja Palmer's story is one of resilience, redemption, and the boundless potential for change.

And now, the iconic Dancehall artist, free once more, is set to take the stage in the Virgin Islands (VI) for his first concert outside of Jamaica tonight, March 15, 2025, a moment both historic and deeply symbolic, according to his VIs biggest self-confessed fan—Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7)

The Vybz Kartel effect

At a press conference at the Village Cay Marina Resort, on March 14, 2025,  Premier Wheatley unabashedly lauded the significance of the event, emphasising the inspirational message Kartel’s real-life journey conveys, particularly for and to the youth.

"I have to say, I am a fan of his work because he is extremely talented, and I think that’s clear and obvious for everyone to see but beyond the talent, he has a story to tell, despite the fact that he was in prison, despite his own health challenges, he is able to say, God is the greatest. That is a powerful message."

The Premier further heaping praise on the inherent broader impact of Kartel’s concert in the VI pointed to the economic and tourism benefits already being reaped. 

"Hotels are booked, people are renting cars, additional ferries have been coming across, and we are seeing more arrivals at Beef Island Airport; this is what you call tourism. This is what you call the ‘Vybz Kartel effect.’ This will be one of the biggest shows, if not the biggest show, that the Virgin Islands has ever seen,” Dr Wheatley said. 

Vybz Kartel’s, also called ‘Di Teacha’, influence extends beyond entertainment as his journey also serves as a stark reminder of the power of redemption, according to Dr Wheatley, who used the occasion to encourage the general public to embrace a mindset of positivity and support rather than that of condemnation.

"Some people preach a gospel of condemnation, ready to throw others away in the waste bin of life, but this brother has come through the fire, kept his family together, and now shares a message of upliftment. We must stop hating, stop being negative, and celebrate the power of change."

Redemption & the future

Mr Steve E. Parrillon, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of YOLO Promotions, the mastermind behind the event, spoke with passion about the realisation of this momentous occasion, "We have fans who’ve been dreaming, hoping one day they could see Vybz Kartel perform here and now, it's a reality. [Today], we’ll witness history."

Conceding the enormous challenges in bringing the concert to fruition while remaining steadfast in his vision, Mr Parrillon said, "There was doubt, there was criticism, but we pushed through because we believe in the power of music to unite people and inspire change."

The event, dubbed "Black on Black," is in its second year, growing exponentially in scale and significance. 

26 Responses to “Vybz Kartel’s triumph over adversity a testament to change—Premier Wheatley ”

  • fool (15/03/2025, 09:11) Like (30) Dislike (9) Reply
    Fool fool
    • the rock (15/03/2025, 10:24) Like (16) Dislike (9) Reply
      Stop being an a$$whole Premier, its the calaber of the artist, when pico muff made that statememt about polulitcians, you all wanted to lock him up, you should be the one going jail! I want to the governmemt make back that $250, 000.00
      • @the rock (15/03/2025, 16:17) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        The statement was straight up FACTSSSSSS. Then they want to lock the man up. See how these dirty evil F…ers in this place works? I don’t blame Pico for not getting caught up with no politics.
  • People can change. (15/03/2025, 09:15) Like (9) Dislike (11) Reply
    VB is a change man, He has recognizef and acknowledge his past life was the wrong life...A true redemption story. A lot of people hearts are filled with hate and evil and can only see the bad in others and want them failed. They themselves are the real Satan Angels..
    • @People can change (15/03/2025, 10:32) Like (20) Dislike (3) Reply
      I agree everyone deserves a second chance. So I hope you have the same love for Ollevine & Kareem Maynard when they come home. And let's not forget our dear big brother Andrew Fahie.
      People can only change if they not only acknowledge their wrong, but mean it with actions. What is Kartel doing different that he was not doing before? We only know what he shows us. Ask the real yardie about the man, your jaw will drop off. He didn't hurt no one for you so you can be quick to say what you said. But there are things he has done that he still ain't pay for, and people KNOW it, that is why he brings unrest where he goes. If a man really changed, he will move different. Hands down.
    • Redemption? (16/03/2025, 01:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp68g4r30k4o.amp

      Still here promoting the same lifestyle. lol. Who am I to judge? Sounds like he had a good remorseful Christian party last night.
  • regrettable (15/03/2025, 09:28) Like (13) Dislike (5) Reply
    evedience was misplaced, he is guilty of the crime but procedures werent followed and that allows him to sit next to the Premier ad take all out tax payers money
  • Still Guilty (15/03/2025, 09:34) Like (30) Dislike (1) Reply
    His conviction was overturned because of juror misconduct, not because of lack of evidence. It is sad that our Premier chooses to laud someone like Vybz Kartel. There again we should not be surprised, look at what happened to our previous Premier.
  • Really? (15/03/2025, 09:38) Like (29) Dislike (2) Reply

    Well Natalio if nothing else you will have impressive photos for your album. Can't wait to see what your next party is going to be, as you continue to spend our monies to entertain yourself and hide it under the idea that you are stimulating the economy. Continuing to spend on frivolous nonsense while seniors get $200 a month to live off of, and the country looks like &#!&!
    Finally Steve will be able to go back to work, because he been missing a lot of days over this nonsense. He trying to get rich, and I honestly wish him well with that. He keeps getting bashed for this concert but I think if this concert was done without tax payers monies we would all be feeling much better. Watch to see the caliber of people that will be coming out to the concert. Watch how they look, Watch how they dress, watch how they will be speaking and behaving. BVI God is not pleased with us. We are going to continue to suffer if we don't do better. Our actions invite demons to come and stay in our quarters long after the vessel that brings them leaves. We are destroying our home. The BVI has become a place with no morals, no standards and no laws, and NO VISION. In order to get better we have to be honest with ourselves, our brothers, our sisters, our friends and the people that matter. If something is wrong it's wrong.

    • Hmmmm (16/03/2025, 01:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I just hope all those days that Steve missed from work are taken from his vacation leave.
  • smh (15/03/2025, 09:50) Like (38) Dislike (2) Reply
    What a child we have as our so called leader. Dude was there eating up every word that Kartel said. Bobbing his head and smiling like a fool. This is what's important to him; entertainment.
    • UPSETTER (15/03/2025, 19:47) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Mr. Premier did you not know? Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
  • Gumption Official (15/03/2025, 10:23) Like (16) Dislike (13) Reply
    I want Steve to win so bad!! Around here, it’s not about what’s being done, what was said, or how it was said, but mainly about who’s doing it and who said it.
    Everyone wants people to forget their negative past and past mistakes, but when it’s someone else, we’re supposed to hold it over their head.
    I strongly believe Vybes is in a position where he’s a valuable asset both here and around the world. Life-changing experiences teach us important lessons—some learn, some don’t, but it’s all in God’s timing.

    Of course, there are always better things my tax money could have been used for. Even though that’s not the case here, I’m not going to hate on the Premier, Steve, or Vybes.
    I hope everyone attending the event has a great time. Haters are going to hate—that’s their job..
  • Yow (15/03/2025, 10:28) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply

    You talking pure s$!t, bring The late Bob Marley Sons then and only then you could say that shit!

  • VI Youth (15/03/2025, 10:28) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    The biggest show the VI ever seen was BUJU BANTON
  • UK (15/03/2025, 12:48) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Great pair. Both have that "DUH' look
  • doc (15/03/2025, 12:52) Like (14) Dislike (3) Reply
    Almost 1/4 million spent on this while the hospital has to recycle tongue depressors. UK take notice
  • WHAT!!! (15/03/2025, 13:04) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    The only “change “ I looking for is you no longer premier.
  • Check out Premier (15/03/2025, 15:59) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    He was looking and acting like an excited child steeping into a candy store. Check out who he was sitting between, Vybz and the gorgeous woman. Dude, the man sons were suppose to be sitting next to him.
  • Yessah let the youths see (15/03/2025, 17:12) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    That's right youths don't snitch on your colleagues. You never know you might make it out untouched from both sides justice and criminality....maybeee
  • Me (15/03/2025, 17:53) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    You Sloman up in thin air and up to now you can't come to we the people about that waste of money for the show you had at this same venue a year ago. To be honest I hope the people of the BVI see what a waste of???? time you are
  • Well we’ll well (15/03/2025, 18:43) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    The Premier has truly show that he is a street man. You can take the man off the street but you can’t take the street out the man. I must say this as well, I am disappointed in the woman that design the sneakers that was presented to Vybz Cartel. Here is why. We have the athletes from the BVI working their behinds off representing the BVI. How come she never thought about designing a shoe for the BVI ATHLETES. Makes you wonder right?
  • Bad picture? (15/03/2025, 19:42) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Premier looking very very slow in this picture. Lord help this man. He is definitely not the same man who was marching on the government before he got the chance.
  • Cycle complete (15/03/2025, 20:01) Like (1) Dislike (19) Reply
    First they love you, then they hate you...... then they will love you in the end!
  • I wonder (15/03/2025, 21:31) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Andrew you salt, not even .25 cent they could have spend on you


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