BVI government says 'No' to Dutty Wine

The story

The government of the British Virgin Islands has refused permission for a planned performance by Jamaican reggae singer Tony Matterhorn.

Matterhorn is the originator of the popular and controversial Dutty Wine dance.

BVI Chief Minister Dr Orlando Smith, a surgeon, cited health and safety concerns over the Dutty Wine dance, as well as "incomplete documentation" submitted by the show's organisers.

"I have heard a chiropractor on the BBC Caribbean Report warn about the dangers of this dance."

BVI Chief Minister Orlando Smith

WHAT YOU'VE BEEN SAYING

(This is a moderated debate. The BBC reserves the right of editorial supervision.)

I can't believe that a dance, and song is causing so much outrage, he can ban the performance all he likes, he doesn’t he know what people are dancing to in privacy of there own home.

I can't believe that a dance, and song is causing so much outrage.

It’s an individual’s own right to listen to what music they like. By banning the performance he could be turning away potential votes.

Leona

London, England

I do not believe that the dance should be banned. I believe though that the people who do not know how to do the dance should not try it and therefore prevent hurting themselves. The young man has many other songs that he can perform. All the Government had to do was tell him do not sing that song. I myself don't dance the song but I like to see the people who do.

D Blanc

Castle Comfort, Dominica

I think the comments so far have missed the real issue. Dr Smith is up for re-election next year. He is trying to win votes by bowing to pressure from the Church.

Simon

Road Town, British Virgin Islands

It's one thing to ban the Dutty Wine (or at least advise caution) for safety reasons. It's another thing entirely to ban Matterhorn from performing.

The man has more than one hit than the Dutty Wine. He was also a big-time selector before he came to be a popular singer.

Some people have over-done it, which is unfortunate, to say the least. But it is the individual's responsibility to take care of their own health.

Inge

Bronx, USA

I agree with the Chief Minister. Firstly, women should respect themselves and this is type of dance is not God-like so there should be an end to it. Women think positive about your health and lives.

I agree with the Chief Minister.

Thomas

Grenada

Some say that this dance is too smutty

Degrading, demeaning and ‘dutty’

But there once was a time

When the dollar would ‘wine’

And all ‘sense’ was reduced to mere putty!

Mark

Jamaica WI

I believe that the Government have a responsibility to protect the citizenship from this lawlessness, especially our young children. Ask Mr. Matterhorn if he would love to have is daughter become a Dutty Wine specialist. It's outlandish and shameful. When I hear some of the utter foolishness that we call music in our region I am driven into shame for our Caribbean music community.

A Thomas

Georgetown, Guyana

Is this not the country that tried to ban Rastafarianism? Caribbean governments should stop trying to legislate an individual’s personal freedoms.

S Mayers

Rockville, MD, USA

I cannot believe that a dance is causing so much outrage. Let people enjoy themselves as long it is not against the law

Dave

London, England

It shouldn't be banned because the people love music and even more the artistes. Come on, you will be making money. Also, the government shouldn't be in anything to do with music. I agree with the music.

It shouldn't be banned.

Kevin

Basseterre, St.Kitts

Yes, it should be banned. This kind of music is disgusting, has no good meaning and is an insult to our ears. It gives a bad image of the Caribbean as a drunkard’s heaven. I just wish all Caribbean countries do the same thing!

Ali

Trinidad

I think the government shouldn't have any thing to do with music. If people want to jump off of buildings while dancing that's their business.

R Jennings

Virgin Gorda, BVI

No, I do not think that the dance should be banned. I think that people who want to do the dance should be careful and know that they are doing it at their own risk.

Taisha

Dominica

There is nothing wrong with the song or the dance. It’s just entertainment and should not be banned. People shouldn't be to extra when doing the dance.

Yes, it should be banned.

I don’t think they should ban the Dutty Wine. It’s the #1 hit. Come on, the man is making his money. People should have the choice to dance the song. It’s life, they can use there head

Jeanita

Dominica

I don’t think that Dutty Wine should be banned because people who cannot do it RIGHT are the one's dying! I think if you know how to do it THEN DO IT RIGHT!

K Green

Canada

It should not be banned because those who will want to see him performance only need to go to the worldwide web.

Rob

Nassau, Bahamas

Hell No!

Bryan

Kitchener, Canada

Any government has a responsibility to serve and protect the interest on the people of their country. As a result, Dr. Orlando Smith's concerns are appreciated. However, it must be left up to the individual to decide what they can or cannot risk. If there is a particular song which instructs the listener to do something, it does not necessarily follow that the person MUST do it. Further, in the Caribbean we tend to take an outmoded approach where we make decisions for others based on our own ethical/moral standards. To me, it smacks of censorship and it is a serious problem of the Caribbean civilization. I think the approach which needs to be taken is one of education and not using state power to decide what form of entertainment is good/bad for anyone.

G Emmanuel

Thibou's Estate, Antigua & Barbuda

Why stop the dance? If one is supple enough to do the Dutty Wine, then why should the artist be banned for doing his performance? Others who follow have to do it at their own risk!

Charlotte

Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe

I don't think Dutty Wine should be banned. Should we ban gymnastics? That can cause serious fatal injuries to the spine. I think most people want it banned because of moral issues and not because of injuries it can cause.

Michael

Christiansted, USVI

Dr. Orlando Smith's decision is rather foolish. Banning the singer will not make people stop doing the dance. This is a craze that will quickly pass. Look around you, Dr. Smith, already new dances are replacing the Dutty Wine.

Z Neufville

Kingston, Jamaica

So what do you think?

Should the Dutty Wine be banned?

Does denying permission to an artiste solve the problem?

Are there free speech implications?

Take part in the discussion