Roxroy McLean, Star Intern

THE STAR has been reliably informed that both Mavado and Vybz Kartel, the two dancehall artistes aligned to the ongoing Gully-Gaza feud, are willing to come together in peace as they are now seeking to openly resolve heated disputes, which are said to be the cause of the division in today's society.

Factions linked to both artistes have been blamed for violence in the society, which has caused a clannish divide in the music industry and the wider society.

The intense feud was also seen as a reason for the police not granting Mavado a permit for his birthday bash, which would have taken place at Temple Hall Estate tonight.

The police have the right to prevent an artiste from performing at a public event, or even staging of an event, if they believe it threatens national security. The two deejays, who took part in a lyrical clash at Sting 2008, held at Jamworld, Portmore, St Catherine, are also in jeopardy of not appearing at this year's event, unless they can make a public appearance together as a symbol of peace before the December 26 event.

A police source on Thursday confirmed to THE STAR that the issue was being discussed but nothing had been agreed on. The source also said the ban would affect other shows apart from Sting.

Vybz Kartel, in a quick response, has since extended an invitation to Mavado to meet in Half-Way Tree, to shake hands and publicly resolve the issue which has galvanised the society.

"With all due respect to the commissioner, I think they went a little overboard in making a hasty decision, especially in light of the fact that Mavado and I are currently in negotiation as to how best we can publicly make a cry for peace. I can undoubtedly speak on behalf of David when I say there is no animosity between the parties," Kartel was quoted in a release sent to THE STAR.

gesture of goodwill

Kartel went on to say, "Let it be known that in a gesture of goodwill, faith and patriotism that I, Adidja Palmer, will be making myself available on Wednesday of next week, December 9, to stand with David Brooks in Half-Way Tree, at noon, under the famous clock to show Jamaica that we're patriotic and as such, are bound to secure the well-being of such. I am calling on the relevant authorities, who also have a stake in resolving this public feud, to endeavour to make it happen in a peaceful, organised manner."

When contacted by THE STAR, Mavado's manager, Julian Jones-Griffith, said they were pleased with the invitation and had taken no offence at the gesture handed out by Vybz Kartel.

"We are heartened that Vybz Kartel is now prepared to move forward with a positive intent and we expect a plan of action to be formulated at this meeting. This was exactly what we were trying to pre-empt with our invitation to Vybz Kartel to attend Mavado's birthday party," he said.

Jones-Griffith also revealed that both parties were in discussion with Ombudsman Bishop Herro Blair, and were expecting a peace initiative programme to be finalised shortly.

"Mavado and I recently met with Bishop Herro Blair and we put forth the idea of a peace march headed by Mavado and Vybz Kartel from Cassava Piece/ Big Yard right to Half-Way Tree or to stadium where both could perhaps give a unification performance on stage together. This message of peace would be compounded by a 'paint-out day', ridding communities of the Gully-Gaza graffiti that now decorate many a wall and zinc fence, with the artistes also taking part. We also think a tangible message of peace could come in the form of a peace record," Jones-Griffith said.