Days after being deported back to Jamaica, dancehall artiste Tommy Lee Sparta’s team is now speaking out against how the Dominican government handled the situation.
Online reports have also stated that several Dominicans took to the streets to protest against the government’s decision to refuse entry to the artiste. Tommy Lee Sparta, who was set to perform in Portsmouth on Sunday night, was denied entry when the private jet he was travelling in landed in Dominica on Sunday evening.
Several residents turned up outside the police station where the artiste was being held. One irate resident stated that the people of Dominica will be there for Tommy Lee regardless of what happens. Another young man had a placard around his neck with the words ‘Free the Boss’.
“Free Tommy Lee. Free Tommy Lee. Watch everybody in this spot, everybody in this spot is for Tommy Lee,” he said, while showcasing a section of the crowd.
Others pleaded with the artiste to open the bus window as he was being transported to the hospital. Some could be heard questioning the authorities as to why they had locked up the artiste like a criminal.
Though subsequent reports cited that the artiste and his entourage were arrested after they reportedly refused to return to jet, Keona Williams, director of Guzu Musiq, has denied these claims.
“He did not refuse to leave that night. He arrived in Dominica on a private jet. Based on the time, he was unable to get clearance for landing if the pilot returned,” she said.
She went on to say that a stamp of denial or written document if no entry was requested by the artiste, but was refused.
“We reported this to the United Nations headquarters that the CARICOM nationals were arrested, denied food and water, medication and rights to legal representation. This changed when the artiste developed serious medical conditions from the ghetto concrete floor accommodation provided. He was consequently moved to the Marigot Hospital emergency room because a metal from his broken leg developed blood clots, cramps and muscle spams,” Williams said.
With more Dominicans taking to social media to blast the government, Williams assured fans that the artiste has no history of disrupting public safety.
“He has performed in Russia, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Italy, Germany and several other countries. None of these countries had security concerns. Based on online feedback and public outcry, to view him as a threat of the safety of an entire nation is ridiculous.”