In addition to life behind bars and fighting for his freedom, word has gotten to Caribbean Entertainment Hub that Vybz Kartel’s health has become even more of a concern. In the words of his attorney Isat Buchanan, “Mr. Palmer’s (Vybz Kartel) illness is actually life-threatening,” and he needs surgery as soon as humanly possible.  Medical records obtained by FOX 5 NY states that Vybz Kartel has been battling the thyroid condition Graves’ Disease for seven years. It was also revealed that Kartel suffers from medical complications and heart conditions. However, given his living conditions and what he’s been subjected to recently in prison, Buchanan is of the firm belief that the conditions he’s exposed to are a direct link to the deterioration of his health.

Vybz Kartel who has been locked up in Jamaica since 2011 on a murder charge was, last week, due to an issue with a cell phone placed in solitary confinement and on a 23-hours-a-day lockdown. Buchanan said, “If you can picture a brick oven because that’s how those cells are built, the ventilation is next to none.” Buchanan believes that Vybz Kartel’s health worsened due to the state he was kept in; the incredible heat, a strategically placed bucket that served as a toilet, no water access, and again, the lack of ventilation. 

Speaking exclusively to FOX 5 NY, Vybz Kartel’s son Adidja Jahiem Palmer musically known as Likkle Vybz says that knowing that his dad’s life is actively being threatened while behind bars has taken an emotional toll on him. “It weighs on my heart, I think about it a lot, but honestly, we just have to stay strong and know he is doing the best he can,” he expressed.  

Buchanan who last saw the international artiste on Memorial Day disclosed that “His neck was swollen, if you think of a shirt that is about 18.5 inches in the neck area, you couldn’t close the collar on his neck and that’s how bad it is in this moment,” he continued, “His face is actually swollen. And one other thing. He always wears glasses; in this condition, that causes his eyes to protrude.” 

Vybz Kartel whose career began in 1993 has over the years grown a monster of a career. Keep your eyes on this space for more developments concerning Vybz Kartel, his health, and of course, his freedom.