Jamaican Dancehall Artiste Deported from Dominica · Global Voices
Matthew Hunte

“You're not welcome here”.  That's the message the Dominican government is sending to Jamaican dancehall artiste Tommy Lee (real name Leroy Russell), who has been prevented from entering the island, where he was scheduled to host a concert.  Lee is known for his Gothic Dancehall style, which bases itself on dark subject matter.  The move is the latest of several high profile immigration controversies in the Caribbean, several of which have involved Jamaican citizens. In this instance, the issues of censorship and free speech were also being widely debated on social media.
According to the Dominican authorities, Tommy Lee was considered a security threat:
‘Pursuant to advice received, government had concerns for public safety. The decision to deny entry was intended as a preemptive action and also to provide an opportunity to exhaust all efforts to clarify information received,’ the statement said.
Many religious leaders were opposed to Lee's performance, citing what they considered to be dangerous lyrics:
The Dominica Association of Evangelical Churches (DAEC) had been calling for a boycott of the concert here, featuring Sparta, whom it claims glorifies Satan during his performances.
A spokesman for the group, Bishop Michael Daniel, speaking on the state-owned DBS radio Monday, said he was pleased that the concert did not occur as had been planned.
He said while the churches played no role in the detention of Sparta, their prayers had been answered.
On Instagram, Lee himself posted video of his supporters in Dominica outside the police station:
Some Dominicans tweeted to show that they did not support their government's actions:
@TommyLeeSparta im a dominican and christian…and i dont approve of this situation everybody has their rights and this is violiation of it
— Marisa Jno baptiste (@marisabazil) February 24, 2014
@TommyLeeSparta if they didnt want u here dey should have notified u long time and not let it get this far..dispise this government at times
— Marisa Jno baptiste (@marisabazil) February 24, 2014
#Spartan Soldiers. Them hold up our boy #Tommy Lee in Dominica, we cya take that like dat we have to stand up against them duty ways
— Sheriss Telemaque (@youngtrapstarz) February 24, 2014
Tyrone Christopher argued that Tommy Lee's rights must be protected, whether you like his music or not:
I am disgusted by the glee with which people are talking about Tommy Lee's rejection from Dominica on some phony basis. 1/2
— Tyrone Christopher (@Tyrone876) February 24, 2014
Remember, if his rights are flouted, yours aren't as secured as you think they are.
— Tyrone Christopher (@Tyrone876) February 24, 2014
Some Twitter users referred to the controversial Shanique Myrie case and the Caribbean Court of Justice's involvement:
Tommy Lee, CCJ 4 realz? I only asked as a joke yo. Shanique Myrie part 2. But what's up with rulings being unenforceable? #PayItOvaBarbados
— Jammy (@linjashm) February 26, 2014
But yet still, they strip-searched Tommy Lee, denied him access to his lawyer, and detained him UNLAWFULLY for hours.
— Di. (@chocol8drop_) February 24, 2014
I am in full support of @TommyLeeSparta taking this case to the CCJ.
— Di. (@chocol8drop_) February 24, 2014
On the other hand, some netizens seemed glad that Tommy Lee was denied entry:
tommy lee has been banned by Dominica from entering the country… Praise The Lord
— minister of rôme. ♆ (@KevzSehSuh246) February 24, 2014
Tommy lee is sing shite, Dominica obv think so and don't want ya in them country, why the France you wanna sue someone for their rights?
— minister of rôme. ♆ (@KevzSehSuh246) February 24, 2014
The world is still somewhat Godly… Tommy Lee was denied entry into Dominica… Nobody likes a damn demon
— Ammesha Samuels (@BrandMeshy) February 24, 2014
This Twitter user was amazed – and a tad amused – that the Dominican government was getting criticized for banning Tommy Lee…
Dominica is the best ever lol. Tommy Lee not allowed entry so Skerrit should resign?
— Island Storm (@Johnny_D767) February 24, 2014
…while these were bemused by the government's justification for their action:
Dominica says they detained Tommy Lee in the "interest of the nation". I can't with this entire region. LOL
— Ryan Smith (@ryanapsmith) February 24, 2014
#Dominica need to explain how Tommy Lee is a security risk. As far as I see the man is only trying to make a living.
— Guru Dude (@gravyflex) February 24, 2014
Some argued that Tommy Lee was ultimately to blame for his deportation:
branded yourself as Uncle Demon or Nephew Demon… take what you get
— Arvel The Linchpin (@ArvelLinchpin) February 24, 2014
lets not start calling Caricom a farce because Dominica detained Tommy Lee & will be sending him home.
— Arvel The Linchpin (@ArvelLinchpin) February 24, 2014
Others were confused as to how Tommy Lee was allowed to leave Jamaica in the first place – and why he would want to go to Dominica knowing that protests against his concert were already happening:
If Tommy Lee is under investigation for Lottery Scamming why was he able to leave Jamaica in the first place…
— Ammesha Samuels (@BrandMeshy) February 24, 2014
"@rjrnews: Dance hall artiste Tommy Lee deported from Dominica. http://t.co/azGoNn7gB1"–How they even let him leave JA when he out on bail
— The Good Twin (@SunnydMEtv) February 25, 2014
Mi know mi read it in the gleaner a few days ago that Tommy Lee wasn't welcome in Dominica,so y him still go there & denied entry#Dominica
— Hrh Robert Ferguson (@fergiebuzz) February 26, 2014