Vybz Kartel has upped the ante in the mushrooming battle over the closure of the Havendale, St. Andrew studio -- which was shuttered by the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation for zoning violations last week -- by alleging that the McGregors, owners of the Big Ship recording studio, had somehow played a role in the studio's closure.

"I heard from accurate sources that it was the "s--- p---" Stephen McGregor and "bad mind" Freddie McGregor call dem police friend and dem friend in high places fi fight me studio but me want see if KSAC nah lock dung Freddie McGregor studio which is the same Havendale. Dem a gwaan like a dem alone have links inna high places," Vybz Kartel said.

The Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) closed the recording studio frequented by dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel in Havendale, St. Andrew last week. The studio was closed after a notice was served on Father Romie, the owner of the property. The police said no permit had been granted for the studio to be constructed in a residential area. The police and the KSAC have made periodic checks to see whether the owner had complied with the notice.

Freddie McGregor is a respected veteran of the music business whose career began at the age of seven. Known for hits such as "Big Ship", "Push Comes to Shove", and "Just Don't Want to Be Lonely", he started the Big Ship label in 1984.

He later established the Big Ship Recording Studio, and he has produced many artists including Luciano and Mikey Spice. His son, Stephen, has won the producer of the year title two consecutive years running. It is highly unlikely that a shrewd businessman like Freddie McGregor would not have applied for a permit.