Given the current climate of intolerance of violent lyrics among other Caribbean governments and even companies, the recent announcement of the Guyanese government to ban two Jamaican dancehall artistes, Mavado and Bounty Killer hardly comes as a surprise.

However, there are several issues with which to contend when one contemplates where the line should be drawn between artistry and the incitement of violence.

Where should it be drawn?

Discussions with fellow Guyanese journalists reveal that ordinary Guyanese are split on their government's decision to declare the men a security risk.

While many feel that the decision was a long time in coming, others think that it was a little too much, given the fact that both artistes enjoy considerable airplay in Guyana.

Could the decision be a move to distract the Guyanese people from pertinent issues that affect them?

While the country's Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee has a responsibility to guarantee the safety of citizens, what is the connection between gay bashing and gun lyrics with, let's say, the recent Bartica (a riverside town) massacre in which 12 people, including three police officers, were killed in February by heavily armed gunmen. The massacre was the second major attack blamed on gangs.

It is not immediately clear if Mr Rohee or the rest of the Barat Jagdeo have put an end to such mass killings. It is also not clear if the Guyanese have been sufficiently reassured that such killings will not happen again. But what is clear, however, is that two Jamaican artistes have been singled out in order to protect the people of Guyana from crime and violence.