Both major Jamaican newspapers - the Gleaner and the Observer - have front page stories today about vendors being removed from the vicinity of schools in the Duhaney Park area of Kingston, because they were selling badges and paraphernalia depicting violent images that are specific to the ongoing feud between dancehall artistes Mavado (Gully) and Vybz Kartel (Gaza). The vendors are apparently trying to cash in on the fans and supporters of both artistes who want to boldly display their individual preference / allegiance.

The items were reportedly being sold for between J$50 and J$100, and were confiscated from vendors situated at the gates of the Edith Dalton James High, Pembroke Hall High and Duhaney Park Primary schools. The action is part of the police's new push to curb violence in Jamaica's schools.

The Jamaica Observer's report includes pictures of two of the badges (see below), one with a picture of Kartel seemingly holding two pistols, and bearing the words Gaza' and Calabar Empire' in bold type. The other badge shows Kartel holding Mavado's head, and with the words, Mi murder people inna broad daylight'.

The Jamaica Gleaner's report includes statements from Minister of Education, Andrew Holness, who said that the Government intends to bring greater control to the issue of vending in the precincts of schools. Senior Superintendent Delroy Hewitt reportedly argued that some of the vendors actually represent a threat to the children. See the full Jamaica Gleaner report here.

In response to yesterday's developments, Adidja Vybz Kartel' Palmer issued the following statement:
"Vybz Kartel does not sanction or condone the selling of Gaza buttons with violent images and statements, especially to children and teenagers. We do not own the Gaza name but recognize that unscrupulous and unethical persons may be seeking to profit from the popularity of the Gaza name by engaging in these terrible practices. We urge the relevant authorities to move quickly to protect innocent children from those who would seek to corrupt them.

Vybz Kartel is in the business of music, and through Vybz Rum Limited,the business of alcoholic beverages. We are not involved in the business of merchandising, nor do we benefit from the sale of clothing and other paraphernalia which may bear the Gaza name."