GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) — The state-owned radio network in Guyana says a Jamaican dance-hall singer has been banned from the airwaves of the South American country because of obscene lyrics.

National Communications Network spokesman Martin Goolsarran says the music of Vybz Kartel was banned because it brings "nothing positive" to the entertainment industry. He said Wednesday that the decision came after a week of internal debate and said they are reviewing the lyrics of other musicians and could ban them as well.

This is the first time that the government has taken such action against a specific artist. Vybz Kartel angered local music promoters and the Tourism Ministry last month when he failed to show up at a government-supported summer music festival.