Vybz Kartel Ordered To Pay $15 Million In Damages

The legal woes for controversial dancehall entertainer and Gaza boss Vybz Kartel continue to mount as the Supreme Court on Friday ordered him to pay $15 million in damages.

The order was made by Supreme Court Judge Martin Gayle at a hearing today to assess damages in a case of breach of contract.

Jamaican promoter Alton Salmon had filed a suit against Kartel after he failed to perform at a concert in the Turks and Caicos Islands in August 2009.

After the suit was filed, Kartel whose real name is Adidja Palmer was served with the court documents on December 23, 2009 in relation to the suit.

Kartel failed to file acknowledgement of service or to make any attempt to defend the suit.  A default judgment was entered against Kartel and the matter set for assessment of damages.

Supreme Court Judge Martin Gayle heard evidence today and assessed damages which totalled $15 million with interest.  Kartel has several matters before the court.

Among the charges he is facing are two counts of murder conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and illegal possession of ganja.