The Government of Dominica is now being sued following the 2014 detention of dancehall artist Tommy Lee Sparta in that country.

Promoter Cabral Douglas filed the lawsuits in the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) recently due to the cancellation of a concert, which he said was caused by the “unlawful arrest, detention and deportation of Jamaican artist Tommy Lee Sparta and his entourage without cause”.

Douglas, who is the son of former prime minister  Rosie Douglas, had contracted with Heavy D Promotions Limited for Tommy Lee Sparta to perform at his privately owned entertainment venue in Dominica to mark the opening of Portsmouth carnival.

“The lawsuit has been filed for breaches under the Revised Treaty of Chagaramus,” Douglas told THE STAR.

Tommy Lee Sparta in custody, May 8, 2014.

The aspects of the treaty to which Douglas is relying on prohibit discrimination on the basis of nationality, and guarantee free movement without harassment and impediment of CARICOM nationals.

Douglas is seeking US$3 in damages which includes general damages, special damages, as well as for loss of business opportunity and punitive damages.

Tommy Lee, whose real name is Leroy Russell, was to perform at a concert in February 2014 in Portsmouth, organized by Douglas, however, organisations, such as the Dominica Association of Evangelical Churches denounced the artist’s appearance saying his music glorifies Satan and promotes lawlessness and violence.

The government of Dominica said its action was based in the interest of public safety.