The court battle for increased child support between Jamaica popular reggae artiste Tony Rebel and his former common-law wife has been settled. Rebel, whose real name is Patrick Barrett, was taken to court by Alicia Lawson.
The case came before the Supreme Court in March and it was reported then that Tony Rebel was paying approximately $88,000 ($1,042 USD) monthly for the five children he has with Lawson. However, it was said that Lawson wanted the amount increased to $128,000 ($1,515 USD) monthly. That’s a 30% increase!
The matter was adjourned to other dates and finally came for hearing before Supreme Court judge Lennox Campbell in chambers last week Monday. The judge ordered Tony Rebel to pay $4,400 weekly for each of the five children.
The parents are to pay equal shares for all medical, dental and optical expenses. Tony Rebel is to pay all educational expenses in respect of the children. The maintenance order is to remain in force until each child attains the age of 18. In the event they are attending a tertiary institution, the order will remain in force until they are 23. The children are now between 10 and 15 years old.
Tony Rebel came to prominence in 1989 with Fresh Vegetable. But his first release was the single Casino in 1988.
In 1992, the talented Jamaican signed a deal with Columbia Records, who released Vibes of the Times the following year, and in 1994 he founded his own record label, Flames Productions. Throughout his career, he has done songs like Jah By My Side, Sweet Jamaica and Loyal Soldier. And yearly, he hosts Rebel Salute in St Elizabeth.
