Jamaican artiste denied entry into Dominica

ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC/DNO) – Dominica has denied entry to the controversial Jamaican dancehall artiste, Tommy Lee Sparta, who was due to perform at a show here on Sunday night amidst protest by some religious groups.

Sparta, who uses the stage name "Uncle Demon," is due to headline a concert in Portsmouth, north of here.

There has been no official statement by the Immigration authorities, but the main organiser of the concert, Cabral Douglas, confirmed that the artiste had been denied entry.

Media reports noted that Sparta and at least three members of his entourage were denied entry by Immigration officials when they arrived on board a private jet for the concert.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Sparta said he is a Caribbean Community (CARICOM) citizen and questioned the move by the Dominican immigration authorities.

"So them don't respect Jamaicans? What them a deal wid? Sparta a go protest right about now!" he wrote.

The Dominica Association of Evangelical Churches (DAEC) has been calling for a boycott of the concert, here, featuring Sparta, whom it claims glorifies Satan during his performances.

"The Church further asks all Dominicans to take a stand and boycott the upcoming concert, thus signalling a strong message to all that we will not support anything that promotes violence and lawlessness in our beautiful country," the DAEC said in a statement.

 "The DAEC, in solidarity with the pastors, calls upon all evangelicals in Dominica to move in support of this march, as we stand against the powers of darkness and declare that Dominica is in the hands of the Great God Jehovah who has rule over the Universe," the statement said.