Carib Sentinel | Bridgetown, Barbados — February 16, 2025
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Anthony “The Mighty Gabby” Carter, the 76-year-old calypso legend and Barbados’ Cultural Ambassador, has been charged with rape in a case that has sent shockwaves through the Caribbean. The veteran musician, revered for his contributions to Barbadian culture, appeared in the district “A” Magistrate Court on Friday, February 14, to face allegations of sexually assaulting a woman between July 17 and September 8, 2023.
Carter, known for hits like Jack and Dr. Cassandra, was granted bail set at BDS$10,000 (approximately EC$13,420) and ordered to surrender his passport, report twice weekly to Hastings Police Station, and remain in Barbados until his next court hearing on July 14, 2025. He has not yet entered a plea, and his legal team, led by King’s Counsel Andrew Pilgrim and attorney Leslie Cargill-Straker, has vowed to “forcefully defend” him against the charges.
The case, which has been under investigation since 2023, has drawn intense public scrutiny. Prosecutors presented evidence during Friday’s proceedings, though specifics remain undisclosed. Carter’s status as a cultural icon—crowned Barbados’ youngest Calypso Monarch at age 19 in 1968 and a nine-time winner of the title—has amplified the controversy. Social media reactions have been polarized, with some fans expressing disbelief while others condemned the allegations. One user questioned, “How can a 76-year-old man rape a woman?” though others stressed the need for due process.
A Legacy Under Shadow
Mighty Gabby’s career spans over five decades, marked by politically charged lyrics and accolades, including two Road March titles and an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies. His 1985 hit Jack criticized Barbados’ tourism industry, while Boots condemned regional political complacency during the U.S. invasion of Grenada. Appointed a Cultural Ambassador in 2004, his fall from grace has sparked debates about accountability and the separation of art from personal conduct.
Legal and Social Implications
The charges arrive amid heightened regional focus on sexual violence and governance. Barbados, ranked 69th on Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, has seen growing demands for institutional transparency. The case also tests the judiciary’s ability to navigate high-profile trials without political interference—a concern echoed in recent tensions over Jamaica’s Integrity Commission.
Carter’s next court appearance in July will likely intensify public discourse. For now, the calypsonian’s legacy hangs in balance, as Barbados grapples with reconciling cultural pride with the gravity of the allegations.
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