Vybz Kartel Writes Letter From Jail Cell

Embattled Dancehall superstar, Adidja Palmer, more popularly known as Vybz Kartel, has publicly addressed his current legal battles for the first time since his arrest last September.

The prominent deejay, who faces murder, drug and obstruction of justice charges stemming from three separate cases, issued a letter from the Horizon Remand Centre in Spanish Town, where he currently resides while awaiting trial. A part of his letter was published in Sunday’s edition of the Jamaica Gleaner by University of the West Indies (UWI) literary and cultural professor, Carolyn Cooper who wrote an editorial piece on Kartel’s current situation behind bars.

In the piece, Cooper speaks from a mother’s point of view as she distinguishes the difference in personality between Vybz Kartel and Adidja Palmer, claiming that Palmer’s a complete contrast of the controversial character that his stage persona presents. Additionally, she speaks of various dissections of Kartel’s public perception worldwide and in the media.

In the letter, Kartel speaks to those points and then some; accusing law enforcement officials and the media of labeling him guilty before getting the chance to prove his innocence before the courts.

“As you know I am in jail on numerous charges and I'd like to tell you that I am an innocent man who needs your help because I'm being painted as this evil 'D.J. by day, don by night' murderer who is society's number one cause of crime and violence. The police is using the media to slaughter me and as such I don't think I will get a fair trial. They are using the media to form public opinion of me that is so contradictory to the person that I really am. They (police) have tried my case in the public & found me guilty,” the letter reads.

“Every single piece of alleged evidence, every new development in the case is thrown on TV. As if this is a soap opera, but I can assure you that this is no movie to me. This is about my life and my freedom and I take them very seriously.” 

Additionally, Kartel insisted that he’s a far cry from some of his inmates in remand and intimates that these legal troubles have taken a toll on his family.

"My charges are merely allegations, but they are giving the public the impression that I am guilty and that is not fair to me or my family,” he said.

"I have been to court on numerous occasions and saw hundreds of accused men who are charged with heinous crimes like murdering children, killing police officers, burning & shooting whole families and I have never once saw police on TV; discussing the development of those cases, much less every week, as in my case."

Vybz Kartel remains in jail despite having copped bail on a marijuana possession charge, as well as in a murder case in which he and other men stand accused of killing St. Catherine based promoter, Barrington ‘Bossie’ Burtonlast summer. He still remains in police custody regarding murder and obstruction of justice related charges in relation to the murder of St. Catherine dancer, Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams.