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Buju Banton has challenged Prime Minister Andrew Holness over comments accusing some entertainers of benefiting from Jamaica’s image overseas while disparaging the country, according to a report published by Malawi24 on Friday. The reggae and dancehall artist responded on social media, arguing that performers’ international audiences reflect their work and credibility. He also maintained that Jamaican artists had been promoting the country long before Holness entered politics. According to the report, Holness made his remarks on Wednesday at the reopening of Black River Hospital. The prime minister accused some people who profit from Brand Jamaica of using the national flag to draw audiences abroad while damaging the country’s reputation through their criticism. The comments followed criticism from veteran entertainer Beenie Man about the government’s handling of hurricane relief donations. Malawi24 reported that, in an ITV News interview, Beenie Man questioned the distribution of disaster relief funds and expressed concern that coastal development could threaten Jamaicans whose livelihoods depend on beaches. Buju’s response focused on the contribution of entertainers to Jamaica’s international identity. He rejected the suggestion that waving the flag was what brought people to their shows, instead pointing to the sustained effort and body of work behind their careers. The report, which identified the Jamaican Observer as its source, presented the exchange as a dispute over criticism of the government and artists’ role in representing Jamaica abroad. It did not establish the underlying allegations about relief distribution.
Buju Banton has challenged Prime Minister Andrew Holness over comments accusing some entertainers of benefiting from Jamaica’s image overseas while disparaging the country, according to a report published by Malawi24 on Friday.
The reggae and dancehall artist responded on social media, arguing that performers’ international audiences reflect their work and credibility. He also maintained that Jamaican artists had been promoting the country long before Holness entered politics.
According to the report, Holness made his remarks on Wednesday at the reopening of Black River Hospital. The prime minister accused some people who profit from Brand Jamaica of using the national flag to draw audiences abroad while damaging the country’s reputation through their criticism.
The comments followed criticism from veteran entertainer Beenie Man about the government’s handling of hurricane relief donations. Malawi24 reported that, in an ITV News interview, Beenie Man questioned the distribution of disaster relief funds and expressed concern that coastal development could threaten Jamaicans whose livelihoods depend on beaches.
Buju’s response focused on the contribution of entertainers to Jamaica’s international identity. He rejected the suggestion that waving the flag was what brought people to their shows, instead pointing to the sustained effort and body of work behind their careers.
The report, which identified the Jamaican Observer as its source, presented the exchange as a dispute over criticism of the government and artists’ role in representing Jamaica abroad. It did not establish the underlying allegations about relief distribution.
News Desk is the editorial publishing account for Tringlobe Media News, covering breaking news, public affairs, entertainment, community developments and regional stories across Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and internationally.
