Barbadian calypso legend Anthony “Gabby” Carter has been granted bail following his appearance at the No. 1 District “A” Magistrates’ Court today, where he faced a rape charge. The 76-year-old, a nine-time calypso monarch, was not required to enter a plea, as the charge is an indictable offence.
The allegations against Carter state that between July 17, 2023, and September 8, 2023, he engaged in sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent or was reckless as to whether she consented.
The prosecution did not oppose bail, citing the time elapsed since the alleged incident. However, the court imposed strict conditions, requiring Carter to surrender his passport by 2 PM today and to report to the Hastings Police Station twice weekly—on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Given his profession as an entertainer, he retains the right to apply for permission to travel before his next court date on July 14, 2025.
Carter was released on bail in the sum of $10,000. His legal team, led by Senior Counsel Andrew Pilgrim and Leslie Cargill-Straker, has indicated that they will vigorously defend him. Pilgrim has also stressed Carter’s clear intention to challenge the charge in court.
This high-profile case has sparked widespread public interest, given Carter’s storied career and contributions to Barbadian culture.
