Leave the Politics out of Dutty Wine

Once upon a time it was Passa Passa, various Caribbean governments were calling for a ban on this increasingly popular Jamaican party event. Now the government of the British Virgin Islands has refused permission for a planned performance by Jamaican reggae singer Tony Matterhorn.

The reason given by the British Virgin Islands government is that Dutty Wine made popular by Tony Matterhorn is a danger to its citizens. For those who have never seen the Dutty Wine Dance, they might think that this similar to smoking cigarette, riding a bike without a helmet or even going rock climbing without a harness. The “Dutty Wine” dance has been blamed for a handful of deaths. None of the medical reports have been conclusive but the dance is now “labeled” a danger.

I think there are more serious issues such as ‘illegal drugs and AIDs that require more immediate attention, than focusing on a single entertainer and a dance style. If people have the freedom to smoke tobacco then they should also have the same freedom to “bruk” a move to any dance style.

Maybe this reaction is a fear of invasion of the Jamaican dancehall culture. Some of these Caribbean islands have a negative perception of Jamaica and implement policies that prevent a true integration of the Caribbean. I am calling on these governments to leave the politics out of Dutty Wine. Let your citizens enjoy the dance.

Continue to Dance Dutty Wine but please be careful