By Teino Evans, Staff Reporter 
Phillip Linton was also murdered.
IN THE last two weeks two major players in the local entertainment industry have been laid to rest, and for many in the business there is reason for concern.
Patrick Roberts, executive chairman of Shocking Vibes Productions Limited and Beenie Man's manager, says the recent deaths of Paul Tyrell and Phillip Linton have impacted heavily on the local entertainment industry, and a number of producers are now concerned for their safety.
"It is a big dent in the industry," Roberts said, as both persons were very instrumental and influential to the business. "Other producers have received threats in recent times, and now I hear that there is a $3 million hit on my head."
On February 24, Tyrell, 32, was driving his Toyota Rav 4 along Springvale Avenue close to Constant Spring Road when he was murdered by a lone gunman. Police say that the man shot him several times before escaping.
ATTACKED
A week later, Philip Linton, the owner of the legendary Arrows Studio on Windward road, was murdered as well. Based on police reports, at about 9:15 a.m., Linton was about to go inside the studio complex, when an unidentified person shot him. The killer escaped, leaving all of his personal effects, including Linton's licensed firearm on his body.
Since their deaths, there have been reports of threats made to at least one other heavyweight in the entertainment industry. These reports however could not be confirmed by the police.
What is confirmed though, is
that the two murders sent immediate shockwaves through the entire entertainment fraternity. Shortly after the incidents, Penthouse's boss, Donovan Germain, said that producers put themselves at risk every day due to the nature of their business. "A man may come up to you with a CD for you to listen or audition and if you turn them away, they may take it personally," he said.
A number of big players in the entertainment industry turned out to say their final farewell to Linton at the Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church on Shortwood Road in Kingston on Friday morning.
The impact these deaths have had on the industry may not be immediately measurable, but the producers who spoke with The Sunday Gleaner admit that
the murders have caused some shake-ups.
Dancehall producer, 'Snow Cone', says that whatever line of work one conducts in Jamaica at present they have to be careful. In terms of the effects on the music industry, he says, "something like this will always affect the industry."
His fellow record producer and Sean Paul's manager, Jeremy Harding, says the entertainment industry has lost two very influential persons.
"The loss of human life is always tragic, and these were two people who were very instrumental in the development of many artistes in the music business...it will definitely have an impact on the industry," Harding said. However, Harding says his level of concern over his personal safety has not increased in light of the recent killings.
Another producer, Lenky, also said that he too, was not fearful for his own personal safety. "No I don't have any increased concerns for my safety as a producer," he said. Efforts by The Sunday Gleaner to contact the police investigators of the two murders proved futile.
