Gyptian detained at Barbados airport

BARBADOS – JAMAICAN REGGAE ARTISTE Gyptian was detained at Grantley Adams International Airport yesterday, but no one seems to be able to say why.

The 23-year-old, real name Windel Deneto Edwards, was returning from St Vincent where he performed, en route to Jamaica, when Immigration held him and five other members of his party. Gyptian performed in Barbados last Saturday night to a packed gymnasium of the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex.{{more}}

“They dealt with me like I was a criminal. Me nah know what me get held for,” Gyptian told the DAILY NATION Monday after he was released.

“For about two hours they have me in a room like I am a criminal. But I know I am not a criminal, and I don’t sing bad songs. I went to St Vincent, played well, came back, my flight was delayed until tomorrow (Tuesday), and they had me in a room like I am some thief,” he said, adding the bad experience would not deter him from returning to Barbados.

“I won’t make them mash up my good vibrations with Barbados. Bajan people are lovely. Everyone here showed me love,” he said.

Coral Yarde, who said she had known Gyptian for years and he was like a son to her, also criticised the action. “We are all supposed to be CSME [CARICOM Single Market and Economy], and they needed to be treated better. We need to sort out this CSME business because we are all one,” she said.

When Acting Chief Immigration Officer, Airport, Rodney Farrell, was contacted to clarify the incident, he said he was too busy to come to the phone. Up to Press time, he was not reached.

(Daily Nation)