Minister: Vershon Was Never Refused Entry

Following reports that entertainer Vershon was “barred from Bermuda,” Minister of National Security Wayne Caines said that not only was he never refused entry as he never travelled to Bermuda, officials have no record of an application seeking permission for him to perform in Bermuda and the singer’s name is not on any flight e-manifests for the date in question.

This follows after media reports that Vershon was “denied entry into Bermuda last Friday by immigration officials.” The Jamaica Observer’s report — which cited the musician’s publicist Shuzzr Smith – stated that after “landing at LF Wade International Airport, he was informed the music festival was cancelled and all work permits, if issued, null and void.”

“According to Smith, Vershon [given name Kemar Brown] possessed the necessary documents to enter the British territory, but even after requesting to enter as a tourist, he was still shut down without reason,” the report added, with the statement from the publicist also saying that Mr Brown is “owed an apology.”

Minister of National Security Wayne Caines said, “We are supportive of any endeavor that brings tourists, musical artists and generates a cultural experience for Bermuda residents and our visitors.

“In the matter of Kemar Vershawn Brown, also known as the reggae artist Vershon, the concert promoters were informed weeks in advance that a work permit was required in order for Mr. Brown to perform in Bermuda.

“On August 2, 2019, the Department of Immigration was made aware of three Jamaican Nationals also claiming to be in Bermuda to perform at the same concert.

“Upon processing, it was determined that they did not possess valid work permits. This was explained to the gentlemen who were allowed entry to Bermuda as visitors. Mr. Brown was not among the men.

“To be absolutely clear:

• “We have no record of Mr. Brown in our system;
• “We have no record of an application seeking permission for him to perform in Bermuda;
• “No Jamaican nationals were refused entry into Bermuda on August 2; and
• “Mr. Brown’s name is not on any flight e-manifests for August 2.

“Mr. Kemar Vershawn Brown was never refused entry into Bermuda because he never travelled to Bermuda.

“It is unfortunate that the events have been misconstrued and the concert promoters and or management team refused to inform the entertainers and accept responsibility for their error.

“Furthermore, I am disappointed that they have allowed both international and local media to misplace blame on Bermuda and the hard working people at the Department of Immigration,” the Minister added.

Bernews has emailed the publicist seeking a response, and will update if able.

Update: Vershon, the singer, has confirmed that he did not ever enter Bermuda. Full details to come.

Update: Vershon has confirmed that he was not barred from Bermuda, and has issued an ”unreserved apology” to the Government and people of Bermuda as a “statement was erroneously put out.” Full details here.

#BermudaImmigration #Music #Vershon

Category: All, Entertainment, News