Vybz Kartel‘s hefty booking fee has triggered outrage in St. Kitts after he was reportedly paid $4 million to perform at a highly anticipated show. The fiery backlash is not directed at the entertainer but at the government, which many are accusing of turning its back on the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
The anger stems from the government’s decision to reportedly shell out millions for one night of entertainment while thousands of citizens continue to suffer after the discontinuation of the Poverty Alleviation Programme (PAP), which once provided essential support to low-income households.
According to Times Caribbean, the programme provided $500 monthly assistance to over 7000 low-income individuals. However, Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew claimed that the programme was financially unsustainable in 2022 and began reducing payouts. The programme was ultimately shut down in 2023.
Times Caribbean said that the same management reportedly paid Vybz Kartel $4 million to headline the St Kitts Music Festival in 2025. For many, the issue is with what that money represents. Citizens who once relied on discontinued government aid see the lavish payout as a painful reminder that their struggles have been pushed aside in favour of flashy entertainment.
Residents are concerned about the government’s values and are now left questioning why millions were available for one night of entertainment, while thousands in need continue to go without basic financial support. Critics are demanding to know how the country can justify spending millions on a concert while simultaneously claiming that funding social programmes is unrealistic.
The controversy has now taken on a symbolic meaning, representing not just a financial decision but what many view as a complete misalignment between leadership and public need. According to reports, the citizens in St Kitts are calling for transparency. These voices are also growing louder with calls for an explanation and re-evaluation of national priorities.