While it's no secret Amy Winehouse has fallen in love with St Lucia since first arriving on the Caribbean isle last December, the feeling is not entirely mutual it seems. Some of the island's residents are less than enamoured with their most famous guest.
Former government official Jeff Fedee has accused the 25-year-old singer of setting a bad example to young locals and urges that she not be granted residency status.
"Those who sing the praises of Amy Winehouse are missing the point: she is not a good model for St Lucian citizens, particularly the youth, despite the music," wrote Mr Fedee in an island newspaper. He goes on to voice his fears that the Back To Black singer, who is often pictured surrounded by local youngsters, could be a "dangerous influence".
Pulling no punches he went on to insist: "We cannot put the future of our country in jeopardy for the sake of the sale of a house to a character that will draw to St Lucia untold human suffering."
His comments come hot on the heels of statements made by the singer's mother Janis, who says her daughter is still in denial about her addiction problems. In an interview shown on ITV News both Amy's parents expressed concern for their child. "The need to rescue her is enormous," says her worried mum. "Amy is in denial all the time. She probably feels trapped; her body is trapping her… But I know with addiction you do not have the choice because the substance itself directs you."
