Spragga Benz, Buju Banton Blast Jamaican Government’s COVID Inoculation Plans
Even as the Government of Jamaica rolls out its COVID vaccination initiative, Spragga Benz and Buju Banton are continuing to rain “fire” on the State’s attempts to inoculate at least 60 percent of the island’s population.
In one of several posts on Instagram over the last few days, the Jack it Up artist appears to have also taken aim at fellow Dancehall artist Bounty Killer, who a few days ago urged fans in Europe to go out and get vaccinated ahead the Sunclash meets Shutdown show scheduled for Ibiza, Spain from October 1 to 4 2021, which will feature himself and Beenie Man in performance.
“Mi see some BIG BAD Jamaican artist promoting di vaxi agenda already… either dem get a promise or dem really dunce to the program,” Spragga wrote on IG on Monday.
On Tuesday, he turned his attention to a report in a Star article which outlined that Ministry of Health representatives had said during a Special Select Committee of Parliament, that the Government would be passing laws to grant immunity to vaccine manufacturers from product liability if someone suffers harm having taken the COVID-19 vaccine.
Noting that several governments around the world have also granted indemnity from any claims that may arise from use of the vaccine to manufacturers and suppliers of COVID-19 vaccines, Spragga said the outcomes will not be good for Jamaicans who take the jab. “Unoo agoh bawl fi Jah…. MEMBA ME SPRAGGA BENZ SAY DAT…COVID vaccine manufacturers to get protection from lawsuits!” the Camperdown High School old boy wrote.
“Shouldn’t government protect its people instead of the company? 👉🏽 and you still believe they care?” he added in the post.
Spragga also posted a video of what he implied was an overseas government official getting a fake vaccine to win the trust of the public and declared that the same should not obtain for Jamaica.
“We nuh waa see none a this fakery when these local gov’t leaders and high level celebs getting theirs,” he said.
A longstanding opponent to the COVID-19 vaccine, Spragga’s anti-vaccine sentiments mimics those of other musical compatriots including Sizzla, Tony Rebel, Chronixx, Kabaka Pyramid and even Reggae legend Lee ‘Sratch’ Perry. However, they are in stark contrast to the views of Bounty Killer, Shaggy, Macka Diamond and Ce’cile who have said they are not opposed to taking the jab.
This morning Spragga and a few of his followers got into a spat after he complained that one of his anti-vaccination posts was flagged as having “partly false information”, noting that “Freedom of speech is my right so if it is not recognized on this medium well… do what you have to”.
His comment was rubbished by okavango_1 who counteracted: “Nah lie mi rate the artist to the max but it pains my heart fi see the I post so much f_ckry”.
On the offensive, the Chilliagon artist suggested that the commenter leave his page.
“@okavango_1 yu can delete yu self still.. yu nuh hafi over here,” Spragga wrote.
“Dj stop with the conspiracies. Yesterday mi a listen to your song Peace and was thinking to myself Spragga is one of the best writers in DH music. Now you on social media peddling nonsense. Low that Rasta!” itchy_snap_finger wrote.
Spragga was cool in his response this time, retorting: “@itchy_snap_finger yu good fam… bless up yuself”.
He was also taken aim at by dressing_for_fashion who showed him two ultimatums.
“You can say whatever you want yes… but this private company called Instagram has a right to point out that your post has falsities. So you have two choices… deal with it or delete your account. Either way Instagram will continue forward,” she wrote.
Spragga however, declared that he would not be moved as he was well-grounded.
“@dressing_for_fashion they can do whatever my friend. I will still be speaking my truth even to the trees,” he wrote.
Yesterday when Spragga turned his attention to the arrest of Kingston resident Stephen Witter, who was arrested a few days ago for breaching the Disaster Risk Management Act and hurling indecent language at the police in Hellshire St. Catherine after being told to wear his mask, he gained huge support from Buju Banton.
“Boassy slaves Vs Rebel…,” Spragga had posted under the video of Witter’s arrest before adding: “Even police there without mask but because di man embarrass dem they had to take revenge.”
Buju then implied that the act of the police was heralding the onset of a totalitarian governance system in Jamaica.
“The start of tyranny. U laugh at someone speaking for there rights. Not knowing yours are also under attack. You mock those telling u take your freedom back take your God given powers back become alive see your world. Spragga We will never stop doing our fathers will,” Buju said.