Trinidad Authorities Probe US$950,000 Payment to Vybz Kartel for Music Festival

Port of Spain, Trinidad — Authorities in Trinidad and Tobago have launched an official investigation into the financial transactions behind the One Caribbean Music Festival, particularly a reported US$950,000 payment to Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel.

According to the Trinidad Guardian, Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin confirmed on Tuesday that the Financial Investigations Branch (FIB) is probing how the festival’s promoters acquired and transferred the foreign currency. Although no formal complaint has been filed, police say they are moving ahead with the investigation independently.

Senior officers reportedly told the Trinidad Express that the probe will assess whether the transaction followed all applicable laws, including foreign exchange controls and financial transparency regulations. The investigation is expected to last up to 30 days, with the possibility of a 30-day extension.

Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, was slated to headline the May 31 event at Queen’s Park Savannah. He was reportedly set to earn US$1.35 million in total, but pulled out of the concert, citing the promoter’s failure to meet contractual obligations.

The high-value payment has also drawn the attention of Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, who expressed concern about the amount of foreign exchange reportedly used in the deal.

The event featured several other international performers including Malie Donn, Rvssian, Sizzla Kalonji, and Moliy, as well as local acts Lady Lava and Ravi B.