THE WEEKEND STAR has been reliably informed that Vybz Kartel and Mavado's appearance on Sting may be in jeopardy unless both artistes make a public appearance together as a symbol of peace before the December 26 event.

Factions linked to both artistes, Gully and Gaza, have been blamed for violence in the society and that was given as one of the reasons for Mavado's Birthday Bash not being granted a permit at Temple Hall Estate. The event has now been scaled down significantly and moved to The Building nightclub tomorrow.

A police source confirmed to THE WEEKEND STAR that the issue is being discussed but nothing has been agreed on. The source also said the bans would include other events apart from Sting.

Sting promoter Isaiah Laing, a former cop, offered no comment when contacted by THE WEEKEND STAR.

The police have the right to prevent an artiste from performing at a public event, or even the staging of an event, if they believe it threatens national security.

Mavado's management received news on Monday that their application for a permit by the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation to host the show had been turned down. An appeal to the office of the Commissioner of Police followed on Tuesday. The appeal letter was accompanied by a signed statement from Minister of Culture, Olivia 'Babsie' Grange, said Mavado's management.

Shortly after, Mavado's handlers received another letter stating that the appeal was denied.

malicious plans

THE WEEKEND STAR was sent a portion of the police's letter by Mavado's management. Among the reasons for refusing to issue a permit were: the Stony Hill area where the party will be held has had an upsurge in crime recently (and they have received intelligence that malicious plans were afoot), the Gully/Gaza conflict, the strong possibility of gunfire at the function, traffic congestion, loud noise nuisance and the inability of the police to effectively monitor the function.

Superintendent Anthony Castell of the Constant Spring Police Station confirmed the reasons for the cancellation.

In response to the Gully/Gaza conflict, Mavado's management said: "Vybz Kartel is booked to appear on Usain Bolt's show, coincidentally the same night as (Mavado's). Does (this) apply to that event also?"

The press release from Mavado's camp also said they applied for all the necessary licences more than a month in advance.

An all out 'ban' on Vybz Kartel and Mavado's stage show appearances would not only leave fans disgruntled but show promoters struggling to pull patrons to dancehall shows.

no real malignity

The same rivalry which allegedly has the police considering drastic action, has brought fame and fortune to both artistes. A recent study by the Reggae Studies Unit at the University of the West Indies revealed that Vybz Kartel and Mavado are the favourite deejays among 15-24 year olds.

Both artistes have said in the past they are willing to publicly display that there is no real malignity between them and that their rivalry is just musical.

Yesterday, Mavado told THE WEEKEND STAR: "Di best mi and Vybz can do right now is show di people dem seh a music we only dealing with, because dem (police) a show di people dem di wrong message, because we a dem scapegoat."