Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum
General => Entertainment & Culture Discussion => Topic started by: Trini _2026 on October 14, 2009, 07:03:26 AM
-
Buju breaks under pressure? Deejay holds meeting with gays
Buju breaks under pressure?
Deejay holds meeting with gays
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Deejay Buju Banton yesterday met with four members of San Francisco's gay community in what is being seen as a move to discuss the continued cancellations of the gigs at various points on his Rasta Got Soul tour of the United States, due to pressure from gay rights groups.
This was reportedly Buju's first meeting ever with gay advocates, to put an end to the controversy that continues to plague him due to his song, Boom Bye Bye, which
he recorded years ago while still a teen.
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/xxtrini2dbonexx/20091013T230000-0500_161734_OBS_BUJ.jpg)
Back row from left: Buju's PR representative Jonathan Mack, , Bevan Dufty, Andrea Shorter, Eric Mar, Rebecca Rolfe and Tracii McGregor of Gargamel Music. Front row, Michael Petrelis and Buju. (Photo courtesy of Michael Petrelis)
Present at the meeting were gay leaders' supervisor Bevan Dufty, who arranged the meeting, Rebecca Rolfe, executive director of the San Francisco gay community centre, Andrea Shorter of Equality California and advocate Michael Petrelis. Also present was supervisor Eric Mar, a straight leader in the Asian community, Buju, members of his PR team and president of his music company, Gagamel Music, Tracii McGregor.
Advocate Michael Petrelis, who was part of the meeting, was quoted on his blog as saying, "the meeting was very civil and productive, even though at times I had to play the "bad cop" activist, especially when Buju was dominating the discussion, and we made several suggestions for him to consider, in order to start to undo some of the problems he has in the gay community because of his past anti-gay lyrics."
Among the items on the list of demands the gay rights lobbyists put forward was that Buju think about making statements in Jamaica calling for love toward gays; donate to the JFLAG group; hold a town hall meeting in Kingston about the need to respect gays and sing about loving gay people . All the suggestions were rejected by Buju, which is said to have infuriated the lobbyists present.
Petrelis also stated that although the meeting was a beneficial first step, the gay community will want more concrete steps taken, before our actions against Buju's concerts will cease.
-
well
he ded when he returns to Jamaica
TnT well represented I see ;)
-
ah guess when ah man hungry and broke he will alter his ideals.
-
Look Mack in the thick of things again. Haha. I am GLAD he is building bridges. ;D
-
ah guess when ah man hungry and broke he will alter his ideals.
Yah joking rite ,how buju broke ?Yah eint hear Driver few months ago .
-
ah guess when ah man hungry and broke he will alter his ideals.
Yah joking rite ,how buju broke ?Yah eint hear Driver few months ago .
wuh make him willin to succumb to de bullers..........could b a desire fuh more money then.
-
humph, Buju painting himself into a corner here jes by taking this pic
While I commend him for his efforts, which, even to an extent are self serving because if they didn't ban his shows he definitely wasn't meeting with no gays. But Buju is from Jamaica, where his countrymen and dancehall fraternity members are notoriously homophobic and are known for taking things too far.
I could see things getting way outta hand and Buju having to explain himself as to why he taking pictures with "batty man".
-
ah guess when ah man hungry and broke he will alter his ideals.
Yah joking rite ,how buju broke ?Yah eint hear Driver few months ago .
wuh make him willin to succumb to de bullers..........could b a desire fuh more money then.
If you take the time to read the article it clearly explains why Buju decided to meet with them gay advocates.
See below quote from article...
Deejay Buju Banton yesterday met with four members of San Francisco's gay community in what is being seen as a move to discuss the continued cancellations of the gigs at various points on his Rasta Got Soul tour of the United States, due to pressure from gay rights groups.
This was reportedly Buju's first meeting ever with gay advocates, to put an end to the controversy that continues to plague him due to his song, Boom Bye Bye, which
he recorded years ago while still a teen.
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e124/xxtrini2dbonexx/20091013T230000-0500_161734_OBS_BUJ.jpg)
Back row from left: Buju's PR representative Jonathan Mack, , Bevan Dufty, Andrea Shorter, Eric Mar, Rebecca Rolfe and Tracii McGregor of Gargamel Music. Front row, Michael Petrelis and Buju. (Photo courtesy of Michael Petrelis)
-
I'm surprised Buju did this.
I wonder if he will continue to sing Boom By Bye.
-
I'm surprised Buju did this.
I wonder if he will continue to sing Boom By Bye.
When last did you hear Buju sing "Boom Bye Bye" live at one of his shows? Just wondering!
-
I'm surprised Buju did this.
I wonder if he will continue to sing Boom By Bye.
When last did you hear Buju sing "Boom Bye Bye" live at one of his shows? Just wondering!
I don't know, I assumed he still sang it.
If he purposely does not sing it any more he could just tell de bullers dat and let dem relax!
-
I'm surprised Buju did this.
I wonder if he will continue to sing Boom By Bye.
When last did you hear Buju sing "Boom Bye Bye" live at one of his shows? Just wondering!
I heard him sing it live in Albuquerque, new mexico less than 2 years ago. look like show at same venue this coming weekend not cancelled. maybe jus san fran and other parts of california have gay groups with enough political pressure to cancel shows.
-
Eminem had to do the same kinda thing ,he had a duet with Elton to get them fags off his back .
-
He doh sing it again in concert.
But what he DOES do is de deejay does start de riddim....Buju will sing..."ME SEH BOOM BYE BYE".....AND STOP. De crowd does complete de ress fuh him.
De crowd does go WILD and he does jes wheel and go into a nex song. Basically.... a lil teasah without actually singin it.
-
how come nobody else have a flag...but mr attention whore heself hadda rep he flag on he jacket?
-
how come nobody else have a flag...but mr attention whore heself hadda rep he flag on he jacket?
He just showing that there is a good mix among the bullers and fags. Two of them are nigger bitch fags. The one up in the back looking like a chink buller or maybe he mixed he might have some wetback in him. The Trini guy looking mixed too probably part nigger, part coolie, all buller.
-
how come nobody else have a flag...but mr attention whore heself hadda rep he flag on he jacket?
He just showing that there is a good mix among the bullers and fags. Two of them are nigger bitch fags. The one up in the back looking like a chink buller or maybe he mixed he might have some wetback in him. The Trini guy looking mixed too probably part nigger, part coolie, all buller.
hahahahahahahaha
-
Faggots have been winning the war against Reggae artist all over the world. They are taking money from the pockets of nuff artist. I do not see how the f**king world thing being a faggot is not a sin. I bun faggots wid no apologies. God make man to f**k woman , not to push his wood innah man batty.
war
-
quick mixting let outrage hear this .
http://www.zshare.net/audio/669945512cec849e/
listening pleasure only
-
CBS reporting on the meeting.
http://cbs5.com/video/?id=56580@kpix.dayport.com
-
how come nobody else have a flag...but mr attention whore heself hadda rep he flag on he jacket?
He just showing that there is a good mix among the bullers and fags. Two of them are nigger bitch fags. The one up in the back looking like a chink buller or maybe he mixed he might have some wetback in him. The Trini guy looking mixed too probably part nigger, part coolie, all buller.
According to the caption the Trini is Buju's PR rep.
Maybe he shoulda hold up a sign sayin, "I'm not one of them."
-
how come nobody else have a flag...but mr attention whore heself hadda rep he flag on he jacket?
But like he get your attention ...... ;D
-
how come nobody else have a flag...but mr attention whore heself hadda rep he flag on he jacket?
He just showing that there is a good mix among the bullers and fags. Two of them are nigger bitch fags. The one up in the back looking like a chink buller or maybe he mixed he might have some wetback in him. The Trini guy looking mixed too probably part nigger, part coolie, all buller.
whoa :o....didnt see that commin
JDB have ah evil twin or wha?
-
see what gays do to shabba career
http://www.youtube.com/v/JZ8Z0biU_Zw
-
see what gays do to shabba career
http://www.youtube.com/v/JZ8Z0biU_Zw
According to a learned Jamaican friend of mines the term chi-chi man refers to a child molester who is not necessarily a gay person but rather someone who seeks sex with children or those who have not yet reached the age of consent.
So in that context I would agree with the sentiments of Elephant Man's hit song when he says “Logon & step pon chi-chi man” as I will not condone child molestation in any shape or form.
-
Among the items on the list of demands the gay rights lobbyists put forward was that Buju think about making statements in Jamaica calling for love toward gays; donate to the JFLAG group; hold a town hall meeting in Kingston about the need to respect gays and sing about loving gay people . All the suggestions were rejected by Buju, which is said to have infuriated the lobbyists present.
why dey pushing dey words in buju banton mouth? ah find dat real over de line. like dey want PSA and have him on a float in de pride parade?
-
Among the items on the list of demands the gay rights lobbyists put forward was that Buju think about making statements in Jamaica calling for love toward gays; donate to the JFLAG group; hold a town hall meeting in Kingston about the need to respect gays and sing about loving gay people . All the suggestions were rejected by Buju, which is said to have infuriated the lobbyists present.
why dey pushing dey words in buju banton mouth? ah find dat real over de line. like dey want PSA and have him on a float in de pride parade?
Is almost like dey want him tuh be VP of Marketing or someting.
-
see what gays do to shabba career
http://www.youtube.com/v/JZ8Z0biU_Zw
According to a learned Jamaican friend of mines the term chi-chi man refers to a child molester who is not necessarily a gay person but rather someone who seeks sex with children or those who have not yet reached the age of consent.
So in that context I would agree with the sentiments of Elephant Man's hit song when he says “Logon & step pon chi-chi man” as I will not condone child molestation in any shape or form.
And you buy dat wholesale?
Nah...you couldn't possibly be dat gullible.
Yuh ever hear bout chi chi foo foo?
Learned jamaican...daz a serious oxymoron ::) ::)
-
see what gays do to shabba career
http://www.youtube.com/v/JZ8Z0biU_Zw
According to a learned Jamaican friend of mines the term chi-chi man refers to a child molester who is not necessarily a gay person but rather someone who seeks sex with children or those who have not yet reached the age of consent.
So in that context I would agree with the sentiments of Elephant Man's hit song when he says “Logon & step pon chi-chi man” as I will not condone child molestation in any shape or form.
And you buy dat wholesale?
Nah...you couldn't possibly be dat gullible.
Yuh ever hear bout chi chi foo foo?
Learned jamaican...daz a serious oxymoron ::) ::)
::) ;D
-
Buju banton locked up
banton is in a miami jail charge wid sum massive set of driugs.. look like di battyman dem set up d Banton. more news to come on this . he is in federal lock up and looking at bout 35 + years if convicted..
war
-
Buju arrested on cocaine charge in Florida
BY VERNON DAVIDSON Executive editor - Publications davidsonv@jamaicaobserver.com
Sunday, December 13, 2009
THE United States Drug Enforcement Administration (USDEA) yesterday confirmed that reggae artiste Buju Banton is now in a Florida lock-up after being charged with intent to distribute cocaine.
Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, was held on Thursday, Florida DEA information spokesman David Melenkevitz told the Sunday Observer.
"Mr Myrie was arrested on a case based in Tampa. He is charged with intent to distribute cocaine, five kilos or more," Melenkevitz said. "Right now he's in custody in South Florida and he'll be transferred to Tampa."
BANTON... has been in the United States since September promoting his new album Rasta Got Soul
Asked when the transfer would take place, Melenkevitz said he couldn't give a date, only that it would be "in the near future".
Melenkevitz also said he did not know the circumstances that led to the deejay's arrest. However, he confirmed that the arrest was not made at an airport.
Banton has been in the United States since September promoting his new album Rasta Got Soul.
His arrest comes almost two months after he rejected demands from gay activists in California that he promote respect for homosexuals via his music and at a town hall meeting.
The gay lobbyists also demanded that he donate the proceeds from his anti-gay anthem Boom Bye Bye to local gay group Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG).
But Banton told local talk show host Mutabaruka on his Cutting Edge show on Irie FM in October that he could never endorse the demands and that he would never sell himself out as that would contradict his religion and culture.
He also said that the night after he met with the gay lobbyists his tour concert was pepper-sprayed.
Since then, the Rasta Got Soul Tour, which opened on September 12 in Philadelphia and was scheduled to end November 1 in Orlando, Florida, has been fraught with problems, as gay rights advocates have forced a number of cancellations.
For almost two decades Banton has been a target of gay rights groups angered by his music, particularly Boom Bye Bye, which they point to as promoting the murder of homosexuals.
Last week, one gay rights group protested the Grammy nomination of Banton's Rasta Got Soul announced two weeks ago.
The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Centre described the nomination as "appalling" and voiced the hope that the recording academy would "not bestow the prestigious honour of a Grammy on someone whose music promotes murder".
"We're shocked that Buju Banton, a singer with a long record of performing a song that glorifies the murder of gay people, would be honoured with a Grammy nomination, regardless of the artistic merit of any of his work," the centre said on its website.
Yesterday, Melenkevitz said that Banton would be prosecuted by the US Attorney for the Middle District of Florida.
-
Buju Banton faces drug conspiracy charges
Similar stories:
•Reggae artist faces drug charges in Miami
Reggae artist faces drug charges in Miami
Buju Banton, the Jamaican reggae star whose anti-gay lyrics have drawn international criticism, is in a federal lockup in Miami, facing drug conspiracy charges.
Drug Enforcement Administration agents say Banton, real name Mark Anthony Myrie, has been in custody since Thursday and will soon be transferred to Tampa, where the U.S. Attorney is charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilos of cocaine.
Banton has homes both in Jamaica and Tamarac.
The Miami Herald's articles regarding reggae icon Buju Banton lack perspective and are devoid of historical and cultural context. Dance-hall artists like Buju Banton discuss a number of issues using violent terminology. They talk about killing competitors, their sexual partners, informers and homosexuals in their lyrics.
However, these lyrics are merely hyperboles and are not intended to be taken literally.
Just as Bob Marley's song I Shot the Sheriff did not incite violence against sheriffs, Banton's song Boom Bye Bye does not incite violence against gays and lesbians nor is there any evidence to support that claim.
•Gay-rights groups object to Miami concert by Buju Banton and Beenie Man
Gay-rights groups object to Miami concert by Buju Banton and Beenie Man
Several gay-rights groups are protesting a Halloween-night concert at a city of Miami-owned hall by Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton, whose hit song Boom Bye Bye advocates shooting gays in the head and setting them on fire.
``The message is that gay people's lives are cheap, and that harming gay people is OK,'' said Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida, a statewide gay-rights group calling for the concert to be canceled. ``Any time a message of violence and hatred against any group is put out there, it has to be challenged.''
Banton, with homes in Tamarac and Jamaica, could not be reached for comment. His South Florida promoter, Andrew Minott of Global Vybz Entertainment, says Banton, 36, stopped singing Boom Bye Bye years ago. ``He did that song they're referring to when he was 15 years old,'' Minott said. ``The song was forgotten about. Because they are making it a big issue, it's come to the forefront. Let sleeping dogs lie.''
•Censorship the wrong way to fight hatred
Censorship the wrong way to fight hatred
It is disheartening that some of our colleagues in the gay and lesbian equality movement have embraced censorship as a tactic to combat hate speech. In his Oct. 6 Other Views article, Songs of hate, George Byars calls on public officials to ban the Miami concert by Buju Banton and Beenie Man.
This is terribly short-sighted: Giving government the power to censor messages it thinks are dangerous never advances the cause of equality and freedom.
In Florida, we don't need to speculate about the dangers of letting government decide when to ban supposedly inflammatory messages. Only last year, a high school principal banned rainbow stickers and other expressions of support for gay rights because he thought that they caused students to think about sex rather than schoolwork. (He was stopped as a result of an ACLU lawsuit.)
•Controversial reggae star Buju Banton meets with gay leaders
Controversial reggae star Buju Banton meets with gay leaders
Facing a string of canceled concerts and protests by angry gay activists, Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton met with several gay leaders during a tour stop Monday in San Francisco.
``We didn't expect any concrete promises,'' California AIDS and gay-rights advocate Michael Petrelis says. ``We thought all we were going to get was a meeting, which was a good start. [We got] a promise to keep some dialogue going.''
San Francisco Supervisor Bevan Dufty set up the 40-minute meeting with Banton, whose 1988 song Boom Bye Bye advocates shooting gays in the head and setting them on fire.
BY JACQUELINE CHARLES AND JAY WEAVER
jcharles@MiamiHerald.com
Buju Banton, the Jamaican reggae star whose anti-gay lyrics have drawn international criticism, is in a federal lockup in Miami, facing drug conspiracy charges.
Drug Enforcement Administration agents say Banton, real name Mark Anthony Myrie, has been in custody since Thursday and will soon be transferred to Tampa, where the U.S. Attorney is charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilos of cocaine.
Banton has homes both in Jamaica and Tamarac.
While legions of dancehall reggae enthusiasts view Banton as one of the most prolific voices of Jamaica's poor masses, critics say he's a gay basher whose lyrics incite violence by calling for attacking and torturing homosexuals.
His song Boom Bye Bye, a dancehall hit released in the 1990s, advocates shooting gays in the head and setting them on fire.
As late as September, Banton's local management told The Miami Herald that the criticism of the star was unwarranted because he had stopped singing the song years ago. The song remains a hit among reggae DJs.
Still, such lyrics have made Banton one of the more controversial reggae artists, with angry gay activists this fall forcing the cancellation of a string of concerts by the artists during a U.S. tour that included a Halloween night concert in Miami.
Recently the firestorm ratched up after the Grammys announced that Banton's album Rasta Got Soul, released earlier this year, was up for an award.
Gay Men of African Descent and the National Black Justice Coalition joined with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation in a petition drive protesting the nomination.
-
"Driver......doh even stick.. cause if you run in the feds my friend that is it"............Buju Banton
All kicks aside, this is a sad story. Hope he comes out on top.
-
I would be very disappointed if this is true.
-
I didnt cry when MJ died ,and am not gonna but this making me real sad G .But what the hell Conspricy to possess mean . Look like the set him up good and proper .Buju need the get a mutimillion dollar lawyer ,look like War rite them batty men get him .
-
why will an artist who is love and is a rich man like banton distrubute cocaine. Rasta nuh carry no f**king cocaine dread. Is set updey set up banton. Dem f**king battyman set up banton. I am praying dat the Justice system figure this shit out otherwise we bredda will be locked up innah american jail for the next 35 plus years. Jamaica and all west Indians dem need fi step in here . This is pure hatred towards the man.
War
-
I would be very disappointed if this is true.
for real...i don't know what to think. is this case similar to john forte of the fugee camp? john served his time and come out and doing ok. jah cure serve his time and come out ok...damn 35 yrs is a loooong time. imagine an old buju and us telling our kids, "that man used to be hot when i was young you know".
-
waaayyzz! buju is muh artiste yuh know! ah hope dis eh true
-
I was just discussing this with a friend and he cyar believe Buju get lock up for some cocaine charge....he could see marijuana maybe but not cocaine....
-
The bar t boyz have power, more power than we want to believe ,they run plenty things .
-
No details yet?
-
Well lets hope he ent meet up to many Batty bois who hate him in jail .
-
Well lets hope he ent meet up to many Batty bois who hate him in jail .
Oh gaum
War gorn tru now
-
Lets see what this tale reveals. According to press reports there is surveillance video..If so, there goes the "batty man" theory!
-
Cocaine case against reggae star laid out
By Howard Altman (The Tampa Tribune)
It was Tuesday afternoon when the silver Land Rover with the tag "Jah One" pulled up to La Tropicana de Havana restaurant in Sarasota, according to federal and local law enforcement agents who were staking out the restaurant.
Mark Anthony Myrie, Ian Thomas and an unidentified woman got out of the SUV. They were there, authorities say, to purchase several kilos worth of cocaine.
The episode, they say, was recorded.
At least one of the men in the SUV is no stranger to recordings.
Myrie is better known as Buju Banton, a controversial reggae star whose most recent visit to Tampa – like many of his performances - was the subject of protests by groups upset with his anti-gay lyrics. Banton, Thomas, 43, and another man, James Mack, 47, were eventually arrested after an investigation that Sarasota police liken to a movie.
Inside the restaurant, Myrie and the woman met with a confidential source, according to a federal criminal complaint against Myrie, Thomas and Mack.
According to the complaint:
The confidential source told Myrie and the woman to go to another location – which turned out to be an undercover warehouse – to continue negotiations for a large amount of cocaine, There they met with an undercover Sarasota police officer who showed Myrie and Thomas a specially equipped vehicle that contained 20 kilos of coke in hidden compartments.
Myrie and Thomas went over to the vehicle, pulled out a kilo and placed it on a table.
Thomas pulled out a knife and cut open the package of cocaine.
He handed the knife to Myrie, who wiped his finger on the blade and put his finger in his mouth in what appeared to be an attempt to taste the drug.
Myrie and Thomas continued to negotiate with the confidential source until about 3 p.m., when the two men left the undercover warehouse.
The next day, Thomas called the confidential source, trying to purchase 15 kilos of cocaine. They met at an Applebees restaurant in Sarasota, where Thomas told the source his organization wanted to purchase five kilos and, if there were no problems, would buy more cocaine later.
Thomas told the source another member of his drug organization was in the parking lot with about $125,000 in cash to buy the five kilos.
Shortly after 5 p.m., Thomas and the source left Applebees and met with James Mack, who was sitting in the driver's seat of a Honda sedan parked in the lot. Thomas and the source went back into the restaurant and continued negotiating.
At about 10:30 a.m. Dec. 10, Thomas and Mack drove to the undercover warehouse, where an undercover Sarasota officer saw Mack pull large amounts of cash from a hidden compartment in the rear driver's side of his Honda. After looking over the money, the undercover police officer gave a bag containing seven kilos of cocaine to Thomas and Mack.
As the men inspected the drugs, the undercover gave a signal and agents arrested Thomas and Mack.
Myrie, whose ninth CD - "Rasta Got Soul" - was released in April, was arrested in Miami. His record company did not respond to an email requesting comment.
All three men are charged with conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute.
Mack and Thomas are being held in the Pinellas County jail with no bond set.
Myrie is being held in Miami with no bond set and is scheduled to have a first appearance in Miami later this week according to Steve Cole, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Tampa.
There may be more arrests to come, according to Sarasota Police Lt. Wade McVay.
"We are still investigating," said McVay. "The investigation extends to a lot of places. This is right out of a movie script."
-
5 kg = 11.0231 lb
That is REAL coke dred. They going and lose he in jail.
-
Hold on, hold on....my friend yesterday convinced Buju WOULD NEVER deal with cocaine.....but dem say he taste it....nah!!....ah want to see dat with mih own two eyes!!!...
-
That sounding like a scene from a movie. How many movies have that exact scene in it, "Man slit's cocaine bag and then taste cocaine to prove that it is coke".
-
:'( :'(
say it eh so buju, say it eh so
-
my god, what a sad day...this man talking all kinda rasta talk and doing this sh!t...big steuppsssss. it's just like i tell my students all the time, "make good choices!"
-
buju use to do real drugs back in the day . Wreck him good ,then he turn Rasta and turned his life around .
-
MIAMI (AP) — Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton is facing charges that he attempted along with others to buy a large quantity of cocaine from an undercover law enforcement officer.
A U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration affidavit says Banton, whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie, traveled to Sarasota last week to make the purchase along with two others. The DEA was tipped off by a confidential informant who agreed to wear a recording device during the drug negotiation session.
Banton, 36, faces a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, which carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence. Banton was being held at Miami's downtown detention center Monday pending transfer to Tampa, where the case is being prosecuted.
A bail hearing was set for Wednesday in Miami federal court. The attorney handling that for Banton didn't immediately return an e-mail seeking comment.
According to the DEA affidavit, Banton contacted the confidential informant last Monday about a possible cocaine purchase. The next day, Banton and other men met with the informant at Sarasota's La Tropicana de Havana restaurant, where the DEA and local police had set up surveillance.
Banton allegedly arrived at the meeting in his silver Land Rover with the license plate Jah One, according to the affidavit.
Eventually, the group went to a warehouse authorities had outfitted with audio and video recording devices to make the cocaine deal. An undercover police officer pulled out one brick of the 20-kilogram load, according to the DEA, and one of Banton's associate's sliced it open with a knife.
Banton, according to the affidavit, "instantly wiped the blade of that knife with his finger and placed that finger in his mouth in what appeared to be an attempt to taste the cocaine." After two more meetings at local restaurants between the informant and Banton's associates, authorities arrested the associates and then took Banton into custody Thursday in Miami.
The husky-voiced Banton has been a major star in his native Jamaica since the early 1990s with brash dancehall music and, more recently, a traditional reggae sound. His career has been stunted in the United States because of his attitude toward gays, including songs Batty Rider and Boom Bye Bye which glorify the shooting of gay men.
Associated Press writer Jennifer Kay in Miami contributed to this report.
-
Lets see what this tale reveals. According to press reports there is surveillance video..If so, there goes the "batty man" theory!
I was coming to ask dem if is de batty man and dem who "set up" de video too.
In the end though is just ah conspiracy to possess charge... not sure what the sentencing guidelines in Florida is, and I too lazy to go look up all ah dat now. My guess though is that he looking at a max of about 5 yrs. The other two fellas on de other hand, dem charged with actual possession so...
-
I do hope he has good lawyer. Good luck!!!!
-
Ah predicting Buju opening statement on his trial....
"I buju may not be familiar with how de country run,,,,, look how dey fightin sensimelia makin way fuh coke to come...''
;D
-
Bakes,
I hope he has good lawyer. You think you could handle that case??????
-
Ah predicting Buju opening statement on his trial....
"I buju may not be familiar with how de country run,,,,, look how dey fightin sensimelia makin way fuh coke to come...''
;D
you is a real clown yes ;D good one
-
Ah predicting Buju opening statement on his trial....
"I buju may not be familiar with how de country run,,,,, look how dey fightin sensimelia makin way fuh coke to come...''
;D
One setta Untold Stories. I sure he know now that Is Not An Easy Road. What Ya Gonna Do though?
;D
I'm here all week folks! Remember to tip your server.
-
Bakes,
I hope he has good lawyer. You think you could handle that case??????
Lol... you trying tuh set me up fuh ah unauthorized practice of law charge or wha'? ;D
Although de amount ah coke cases dem defense lawyers and dem does see in Florida :thinking:
-
Ah predicting Buju opening statement on his trial....
"I buju may not be familiar with how de country run,,,,, look how dey fightin sensimelia makin way fuh coke to come...''
;D
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
All yuh good idle on this forum yes....
-
Ah predicting Buju opening statement on his trial....
"I buju may not be familiar with how de country run,,,,, look how dey fightin sensimelia makin way fuh coke to come...''
;D
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
All yuh good idle on this forum yes....
When yuh look up idle sw.net does show up
-
Buju Banton's Management mum
Published: Tuesday | December 15, 2009
Up to late yesterday, there was no word from the management team of dancehall star Buju Banton on his arrest in Florida.
Sources told The Gleaner that the management team and an attorney had discussed the case with Jamaican government officials in Florida, but there was no confirmation.
It was also not clear if Buju had retained the services of an attorney.
"Feelers came to me and other attorneys but no one has yet been retained, and I'm not sure who is acting on his behalf," attorney-at-law, Professor David Rowe, told The Gleaner late yesterday.
Rowe pointed out that any attorney who was retained would have to take the case on a temporary basis until checks were completed about the source of the money which would be used to pay their fee.
-
"Driver......doh even stick.. cause if you run in the feds my friend that is it"............Buju Banton
All kicks aside, this is a sad story. Hope he comes out on top.
I have no reason to doubt the legitimacy of the allegations.
Been intrigued with this track fuh a while now ... on constant replay while ah en route, and just tuh-day tuh-day, totally unaware of his legal circumstances, surmised trouble was on the horizon.
-
***Buju Banton's complaint affidavit***
See this link for exactly what Buju is charged with and to assess his chances from a lawyer's perspective of getting off!
http://www.dancehall.mobi/buju-banton-complaint-affidavit.pdf
-
^^^That's actually two different documents... the first is the criminal complaint, the second is his arrest warrant (as applied for before the magistrate). Too early to even assess what his chances of getting off would be since we don't know what the state can prove, only what they're alleging. Quite often there's a world of difference between the two.
-
the public response
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20091215/lead/lead3.html
-
the public response
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20091215/lead/lead3.html
great intelligence ****sigh****
-
DEA Surveillance video
http://www.youtube.com/v/Ai7mzkZcRsw
-
the public response
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20091215/lead/lead3.html
great intelligence ****sigh****
Of all the comments that didn't make sense, the security guard's was the worse....ah still scratching mih head. ??? ??? :-\
The teacher's was the most coherent. The last response remind me of what my friend told me when he heard the news. He CONVINCED Buju would never dealt up with cocaine....ganja yes but not coke....
-
the public response
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20091215/lead/lead3.html
They think is third world police he dealing with. They must have evidence to charge him.
-
Aight, leh me start de controversy:
De whole Rasta/dreadlocks/Buju doh deal wid coke ting ... to put it mildly is a distraction ... while it may challenge our ideals, it lacks merit. Moreover, there may be substantial experience to the contrary located among no less than other artistes.
-
Buju seeks bail - Lawyer says reggae superstar has denied all allegations against him
Published: Wednesday | December 16, 2009
Arthur Hall, Senior Staff Reporter
International reggae star Mark 'Buju Banton' Myrie has strongly denied any involvement in the illegal drugs trade.
Buju, who has been one of the standard bearers for reggae music for more than a decade, made the declaration through his legal representative yesterday as he prepared for his first day in court.
"My client says he is absolutely innocent of each of the allegations that the (United States) government has made," attorney-at-law Herbert E Walker III told The Gleaner late yesterday.
Defence team on the ball
Walker, who has been retained to represent Buju, said he was looking forward to the trial.
"You can tell your readers that his defence team is working night and day to protect his interest as he vigorously and vehemently denies all of the allegations," Walker added.
Buju has already spent five days in federal custody in the United States and remains in jail pending his court appearance today at a pre-trial detention hearing.
This is when the US authorities will outline more details of the allegations against him and he will get a chance to apply for bail.
Already the authorities have claimed they have audio and video footage of Buju and others making arrangements to purchase several kilograms of cocaine.
However, Walker said that will not prevent him from asking the court to release Buju on bail.
"It is a detention hearing and a sort of status update where the government will bring in all the evidence it has," he said. "It was set for last Friday, but the government was not ready to proceed as they needed more time to get their evidence together."
He noted that under US law it is the defendant who has to prove that he should be granted bail because, with the serious nature of the charge, there is what is called "a presumption of detention".
"But the fact of the matter is the court still has to make an individual determination as to whether to grant bail.
"It is our position that he should be granted bail because he is innocent and is looking forward to establish that in a court of law."
Buju is slated to appear in the US District Court in the Southern District of Florida at 10 this morning.
Removal hearing
After today's hearing, the artiste will return to court on December 28 for a removal hearing, where the trial will be switched from the Middle District of Florida to the Southern District.
The affidavit, against Buju and his two alleged conspirators was initially filed in the Middle District.
In that affidavit, a special agent with the US Drug Enforcement Administration alleged that Buju and two others knowingly and wilfully conspired to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.
The co-accused were identified as Ian Thomas and James Mack, who were allegedly arrested in a sting operation when they attempted to buy cocaine.
A firearm was also reportedly taken from a vehicle driven by one of the men.
Buju, who was not on the scene at the time of the drug bust, was later arrested on charges of dealing in illegal drugs and could spend more than 20 years in a federal prison if he is found guilty.
arthur.hall@gleanerjm.com
-
Life imitating Art... or Life inspiring Art? :thinking:
-
Aight, leh me start de controversy:
De whole Rasta/dreadlocks/Buju doh deal wid coke ting ... to put it mildly is a distraction ... while it may challenge our ideals, it lacks merit. Moreover, there may be substantial experience to the contrary located among no less than other artistes.
agreed. Just cuz he rasta/Buju don't mean a thing
It's like saying, he's Jamaican so he is guilty...
we don't know till the facts come out; and they will...look at Tiger Woods' situation
-
Reggae star Buju Banton to be transferred to Tampa in drug case
By Jacqueline Charles (Miami Herald)
Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton agreed Wednesday to be transferred from Miami to Tampa, where he faces federal drug charges.
Banton, whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie, is accused along with two others of allegedly attempting to buy more than five kilograms of cocaine from an undercover law enforcement officer in Sarasota last week. Banton was arrested Thursday at his home in Tamarac. The charges carry a maximum setence of life in prison, his lawyer said.
Wearing a beige jail jumpsuit and shackles, Banton, 36, sat expressionless in the front row of the Miami federal courtroom Wednesday morning, his trademark dreadlocks pulled back off his narrow face and rolled into a bundle.
Occasionally he looked out into the courtroom where, in the back row, his publicist and two members of the local Jamaican Consulate observed the proceedings.
The only time Banton spoke was when he uttered his real name and age, and confirmed to U.S. Magistrate Judge William Turnoff that he was indeed waiving his bail hearing in Miami to be transferred to Tampa.
``He's a very spiritual person. He's a very positive person,'' his attorney, Herbert Erving Walker III, said about his mood. ``He's confident he's going to be exonerated.''
Walker added that Banton, whose album Rasta Got Soul is nominated for the Grammy Reggae Album of the Year, is looking forward to ``getting back to doing what he does, which is make music for the people of the world.''
-
Reggae star Buju Banton to be transferred to Tampa in drug case
By Jacqueline Charles (Miami Herald)
Wearing a beige jail jumpsuit and shackles, Banton, 36, sat expressionless in the front row of the Miami federal courtroom Wednesday morning, his trademark dreadlocks pulled back off his narrow face and rolled into a bundle.
Ah really wasn't feeling no kinda sympathy before eh... ah mean, after all guilty or not guilty he de one put heself in this alleged situation. But actually picturing that there real hard... fella, all ah could say is
a) ah hope the allegations not true
b) If they have any truth to them ah hope yuh attorney worth he salt.
-
DEA Surveillance video
http://www.youtube.com/v/Ai7mzkZcRsw
waaayyy... lol
-
DEA Surveillance video
http://www.youtube.com/v/Ai7mzkZcRsw
waaayyy... lol
admissible or not?
-
DEA Surveillance video
http://www.youtube.com/v/Ai7mzkZcRsw
waaayyy... lol
admissible or not?
damning if yuh ask me..
-
DEA Surveillance video
http://www.youtube.com/v/Ai7mzkZcRsw
waaayyy... lol
admissible or not?
damning if yuh ask me..
you envision a dancehall afficionado being on the jury?
-
admissible or not?
Not if he lawyer know what he doing...
Hearsay; FRE 404(b)
-
DEA Surveillance video
http://www.youtube.com/v/Ai7mzkZcRsw
waaayyy... lol
admissible or not?
No Way
thats like saying ya want to charge Denzel with being a crime boss ;D
-
Aight, leh me start de controversy:
De whole Rasta/dreadlocks/Buju doh deal wid coke ting ... to put it mildly is a distraction ... while it may challenge our ideals, it lacks merit. Moreover, there may be substantial experience to the contrary located among no less than other artistes.
Buju put in his service ,i suspect jah would deliver him out of the land of Babylon and back , .he eased up of the Rasta vibes I suspect .
This was when he was on the rsta vibes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pev5L34hX34
-
I always support Buju and if he innocent I will continue to support him.
But if he guilty I cyah support that cause he eh have no business dealing with cocaine. And if he selling it then he helping destroy ah generation and he go be better off off the street. Ah hope he really ent in that.
But they say he "taste" the cocaine ???
If they have him on video or audio tasting the coke, he gone thru fuh sure.
But he innocent until proven guilty and once he innocent he go...."walk like ah champion, talk like ah champion"
-
Buju Banton reportedly assembling high profile legal team
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Federal Criminal Defence Lawyer, Frank A Rubino, who has tried hundreds of cases involving serious federal and international criminal offenses including the case against Panamanian General, Manuel Noriega is being recruited by the management for embattled reggae artiste, Buju Banton, a report on Inernet website caribbeanworldnews.com states.
CaribWorldNews quotes president of Banton's Gargamel Music, Tracii McGregor, as saying that current attorney, Herbert Walker, III, was simply hired to represent Banton during his initial court appearance.
BANTON... along with Ian Thomas and James Jackson Mack, was indicted on December 15
It is said that McGregor revealed that she has been meeting with several top criminal attorneys to take over the case. They include top criminal defence attorneys David Oscar Markus, who was named a 2009 Florida SuperLawyer for White Collar Criminal Defence Representation and was listed in the 2009 Chambers & Partners for White Collar Crime & Government Investigations and Frank Rubino.
"Walker has never really been our attorney," said McGregor in an exclusive interview with CaribWorldNews. "This is Buju and we're going to get him the top legal representation there is. We are ready to fight."
In the interview on Friday, McGregor, it is reported, insisted the singer, born Mark Anthony Myrie, was "innocent" and that the label would pursue the best legal team to prove this.
So far the deejay has not been transferred to Tampa, since waiving his right to a bail hearing Wednesday in preference for a Tampa trial.
"A clearly emotional McGregor revealed that she was in New York last Thursday afternoon, when she got the 'shocking' call of Banton's arrest," the website report stated.
It said that McGregor had been in Florida for the past few weeks preparing for the move of the label officially to the Sunshine State.
McGregor also revealed the label will soon release a new video on the four-time Grammy Award-winning singer's new song, Optimistic Soul, from his new album, Rasta Got Soul.
Banton, along with Ian Thomas and James Jackson Mack, was indicted on December 15. The federal indictment claims that the trio "knowingly and willing fully conspired with each other and with others to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a substance containing a delectable amount of cocaine".
If convicted, he faces 20 to life on the charge while all property deemed to have been gained from drug distribution could be forfeited.
-
Buju Bantons Last Performance Since Arrest
http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhUmAmUaf2zv7dz12x
-
Ah wonder how close Buju is to his co-defendants? Ah could only imagine the pressure on them to cut ah deal and flip on him.
His label might be best served to pick up their legal bills too, cuz if Buju lawyered-up while dem men rolling with public defenders, it have too much incentive for men to turn informer. It's one thing to jump up in a dancehall and bawl "informer fi dead", but when yuh facing decades in jail...
-
... and juss like dat Walker get kick tuh de curb... white man ice colder, lol
-
"substance containing a delectable amount of cocaine".
delectable.....nice
-
shit him need fi see if him could get jah to be one of his layers.. I hear dey have de dread on video tasting coke.. look ting!!!!!!!!!!
war
-
... and juss like dat Walker get kick tuh de curb... white man ice colder, lol
This was always on the cards. Google the man ... then again you probably have.
-
Buju better buy the best money can afford otherwise is jail in he a$$.....who say boom bye bye?
-
... and juss like dat Walker get kick tuh de curb... white man ice colder, lol
This was always on the cards. Google the man ... then again you probably have.
Nah ah juss seeing de heights... he definitely seem 'stop-gap' material.
-
:devil: :devil: :devil: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
I Buju May Nuh Be Familiar With How Di Country Run But Fighting Sensimillia Making Way For Coke To Come.
:rotfl: :rotfl:
Is long time he in this ting....
-
Buju's lawyer confident
By Arthur Hall (Jamaica Gleaner)
Noted United States criminal attorney, David O. Marcus, has expressed confidence that dancehall star Buju Banton will be freed of criminal charges.
"We're ready to fight this thing - the government's case has got no soul," Marcus told The Gleaner yesterday in an obvious reference to Buju's recently released album, Rasta Got Soul.
Marcus was officially entered on Monday as the attorney on record to represent Buju in the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division.
Buju, whose correct name is Mark Myrie, and two co-defendants, Ian Thomas and James Mack, were indicted late last year by a grand jury on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and one count of aiding and abetting the possession of a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime.
The three face the possibility of up to life in prison if found guilty on both counts.
But Marcus, who has appeared in several high-profile cases, remains unmoved as he rubbished the allegations against the dancehall star.
While withholding further comments, Marcus has started to prepare for the case, which should begin later this month.
The attorney has successfully defended several high-profile defendants and has a reputation in Florida as a first-rate legal mind.
Marcus' résumé
Marcus led the defence team in the February 2009 acquittal of Dr Ali Shaygan, who faced 141 counts of selling pain medication to boost his income.
The attorney was also the man in charge of the defence of Gilberto Rodriguez-Orejuela and Miguel Rodriguez-Orejuela, the alleged founders of the infamous Cali Cartel out of Colombia.
In the meantime, the court has outlined the rules of discovery to be used in Buju's trial.
These include giving the prosecutors a maximum of 14 days before the trial to name any unindicted co-conspirator, whose statements would be used against the three accused men, and until January 11 to state if any electronic surveillance was used in the case and whether any confidential informant was used.
The US Drug Enforcement Agency has already claimed that it has Buju on tape testing a substance believed to be cocaine, and that the alleged deal to sell the cocaine was arranged by a confidential informant.
-
Markus' youth belies his experience... and apparently ability as well.
(http://www.markuslaw.com/images/dm.jpg)
-
Reggae singer Banton held without bail on drug charges
By Elaine Silvestrini (The Tampa Tribune)
Jamaican reggae singer Buju Banton will be held without bail on drug charges while his lawyer fights to remove a detainer placed on his client by immigration officials.
That means Banton will miss the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles later this month. His album, "Rasta Got Soul," is nominated in the Best Reggae Album category. Banton has sparked controversy over lyrics that some contend advocate violence against gay people.
Banton, 36, pleaded not guilty this afternoon to federal charges that he conspired to buy cocaine from an undercover law enforcement officer in Sarasota last month.
U.S. Magistrate Anthony Porcelli ordered the singer held without bail after defense attorney David Oscar Markus said he would not oppose the government's request that Banton be detained. Banton's real name is Mark Myrie.
Markus later explained that there was no sense in seeking bail when immigration authorities have placed a detainer on Banton, who is in the United States on an entertainer visa.
Markus said he will fight to have the detainer lifted and then seek bail on the criminal charges. He told reporters his client will fight the charges and will not enter into any plea deal with prosecutors.
"We will be going to trial," Markus said.
"He did not commit the crimes he's charged with," he said. "He was not in any conspiracy."
Markus also decried the immigration detainer, saying, "There should be a presumption of innocence. Instead there is a presumption of guilt in immigration." He said there is "no question" his client would be allowed to post bail if not for the detainer.
The criminal case is set for a status conference in February and tentatively set for a March trial. Although cases often don't go to trial so quickly, Markus said he would push for the case to proceed swiftly.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Banton contacted a confidential informant about a possible cocaine purchase. The next day, Banton and other men met with the informant at Sarasota's La Tropicana de Havana restaurant, where the DEA and local police had set up surveillance.
Eventually, the group went to a warehouse to make the cocaine deal, according to an affidavit. Authorities had outfitted the warehouse with audio and video recording devices.
-
Summer Jam 2009 - Buju Interview.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ60h1TT4vE
-
Buju's lawyers claim singer tricked into drug deal
FLORIDA, United States, January 27, 2010 – Defence attorneys preparing for a March start of the drug case against reggae star Buju Banton are trying to get the court to reveal the identity of a man whom they claim was a paid government informant used to convince the singer to buy cocaine.
The efforts are part of an entrapment defence which the team of lawyers is putting together.
Buju, whose real name is Mark Myrie, has been in prison since being arrested on December 10th. He is accused of conspiring to distribute five kilogrammes of cocaine and aiding and abetting his co-defendants in possessing a firearm during the course of the cocaine distribution.
In court documents filed yesterday, one of the lawyers, David Markus, asks for the criminal record of the confidential source (CS) and how much he was paid for helping in the case.
He said in the court filing that Buju did not know the man before he sat next to him on a flight from Spain to Miami in July 2009. During that plane ride, Markus said, “after softening up Mr Myrie with small talk”, the CS turned the conversation to the topic of cocaine.
"Throughout the flight, the CS tried to interest Mr Myrie in buying cocaine. Mr Myrie, however, was not interested,” Markus wrote in court documents.
"We want to know who this person was and why he was bringing this up with our client. We want to know everything there is to know."
He added that over the course of the months leading to his client’s arrest, the CS repeatedly called Buju and they actually met for lunch on July 27th. After that, the source made other calls to Buju, some of which Markus claimed his client dodged.
The attorney said the man kept pressuring the singer to sell cocaine.
"Finally, on December 8th, 2009, the CS was successful in convincing Mr Myrie to meet with him," Markus said in the documents, noting that they later met at a warehouse.
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) claims to have Buju on video tasting the drugs at that location.
It’s alleged that Buju’s associates brokered a deal over the following two days and they were arrested while attempting to finalize it on December 10th. The singer himself was held by law enforcement officials later that same day at his house in Florida.
-
http://www.youtube.com/v/W1wGSXew9-c
-
http://www.youtube.com/v/W1wGSXew9-c
nice lick Tallma here is Anthony B
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UExiv5-WvLE
war
-
http://www.youtube.com/v/W1wGSXew9-c
boop!!!!! boop!!!
-
Buju's trial put off again. (http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100531/ent/ent2.html)
-
Buju's trial put off again. (http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100531/ent/ent2.html)
More time in de slammer?
Buju boom boom definitely gone bye bye now
-
Just yesterday this case cross my mind. Florida's Speedy Trial provision is only 70 days? Dem defendants lucky if that is the case. In other jurisdictions is 180 days to have a municipal hearing if in municipal court, and 1 year if in State court.
-
Longer Buju stays in jai is better for him. If he run a plead bargain he could end up being released on time served.
war
Anyway I just came back frm Miami Best of de best concert and I will have to say Jamicans hav forgot about Banton. shame on dem f**kers. Not one f**king artist Say Big up to Banton. The rapp artist call Gucci came up and tell di dj fi run Boom Bye BYE AND Big up banton at the end of the show . Not one reggae artrist big up di man . anyway after watching the show I am convince Dancehall is Officially Dead..
war
-
Buju Banton codefendant may testify against reggae singer
By ELAINE SILVESTRINI | The Tampa Tribune
A codefendant of Jamaican reggae singer Buju Banton has agreed to cooperate with the government as part of a plea deal in his drug case.
Banton, a four-time Grammy nominee, is set to stand trial Sept. 20 along with another codefendant, James Mack, on charges they participated in a cocaine deal in Sarasota.
The third codefendant, Ian Thomas, will plead guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilos or more of cocaine, according to an agreement filed today. The charge carries up to life in federal prison.
Eight days after the scheduled start of the trial, Banton's record company is set to release his ninth studio album, "Before the Dawn," in the United States. The album was recorded in Kingston, Jamaica, before his arrest in December.
"The album's unofficial anthem, 'Innocent' strikes a highly personal chord that will resonate deeply with longtime fans," according to a press release from Gargamel Music Inc.
Banton, 37, has been held without bail since his arrest on charges of conspiring to distribute cocaine and aiding and abetting his codefendants in possessing a firearm during the course of the cocaine distribution.
Still, Banton was "heavily involved" in assembling the album, "from choosing the final track listing and laboring over the phone with the producers and engineers to get the mixes just right, to conceptualizing the project's distinguished packaging," the press release states.
The album will contain "a special note written from inside the Pinellas County Jail" where Banton "has been patiently awaiting trial for the past nine months," the release states.
Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, claims he was entrapped. An informant involved with the case has been paid $3.3 million working with law enforcement over several years, including more than $35,000 in the case against Banton.
"Paying a convicted drug trafficker millions of dollars for setting up an innocent productive member of society is wrong," Banton's attorney, David Oscar Marcus, said in an e-mail to The Tampa Tribune. "The prosecution's star is laughing at all of us – he doesn't pay taxes, he stopped paying the mortgage on his million dollar house, he doesn't pay his credit cards, and he gets to stay in this country even though he committed crimes here as an illegal immigrant. We're hoping the jury will see through his charade."
Although Thomas, 43, may testify against Banton, codefendant Mack has signed an affidavit on behalf of the singer.
Mack, 48, says in the affidavit that he never met Banton before his arrest, and that Banton had no knowledge of the money and gun that were in Mack's car
-
The informant being paid has nothing to do with whether Buju was "entrapped" as his attorney foolishly claiming. All that kinda talk doing is providing grist for Buju's fans to feel he get set up... and maybe hope it reeach a couple jurors ears. I want them to explain who "entrap" him into putting the cocaine on he finger and tasting it... assuming the allegation is true.
-
So what you dont think buju ,knows the finest white to judge for a friend .
-
Buju will get lost in jail.he needs to plea bargain and tek a 5 years..
war
-
Buju to be re-indicted before grand jury
Artiste, lawyer not allowed to attend hearing
BY PAUL HENRY Observer reporter henryp@jamaicaobserver.com
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Bookmark and Share
TAMPA, Florida — Prosecutor Jim Preston is expected to appear before a grand jury on Thursday in an effort to re-indict Reggae star Buju Banton on cocaine and firearm charges.
Preston had told the court on Monday — minutes after Banton's cocaine trial ended in a mistrial due to the inability of jurors to reach a verdict following three days of deliberations — that he would be seeking the re-indictment today.
Grand jury proceedings are secret and not open to the public.
Neither Buju Banton, whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie, nor his lawyer David Oscar Markus are allowed to be there.
Banton is to face retrial in early December. A date for the second trial is expected to be set during a bail hearing on October 6.
Banton was arrested on December 13 last year and charged with a count of conspiracy to possess and distribute five kilogrammes of cocaine and possession of a firearm during the furtherance of a crime.
Banton's arrest followed that of his two co-defendants Ian Thomas and James Mack, were nabbed attempting to buy cocaine from an undercover drug enforcement agent in a police controlled warehouse in Saratoga, Tampa.
Mack was in possession of the gun for which Banton is charged. He has since signed an affidavit that he did not know the Jamaican Reggae star before he was arrested and that Banton knew nothing about the gun or US$130,000 which was found in a secret compartment of a Honda motorcar he was driving.
The prosecution had contended during the trial that started on September 20 that Banton was in a conspiracy with the men to possess and distribute the cocaine.
-
Buju to be re-indicted before grand jury
Artiste, lawyer not allowed to attend hearing
Neither Buju Banton, whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie, nor his lawyer David Oscar Markus are allowed to be there.
Not true... they can be present, but only at the prosecution's discretion.
-
Dedicated to Mr. Buju Banton...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEgg4aXpLe0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEgg4aXpLe0)
-
Buju gets bail
By PAUL HENRY, Observer staff reporter, henryp@jamaicaobserver.com
Thursday, October 14, 2010
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Buju-gets-bail (http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Buju-gets-bail)
JAILED Reggae artiste Buju Banton was this afternoon offered $250,000 bail in the Sam M Gibbons Federal Court in the United States.
But Banton, real name Mark Myrie, is still not in the clear as his lawyer David Oscar Markus will now have to seek bond in the immigration court to prevent his deportation to Jamaica. Banton’s entertainment visa was revoked when he was arrested last December.
As part of Banton's bail condition, he will have to wear a monitoring device and will be subject to house arrest and 24 hour security, to be paid for by the defence.
He can only leave his house for meetings with his attorney and for doctors’ appointments and to purchase medication. He will also be subjected to drug testing.
-
Run Buju Run :rotfl:
-
Buju gets bail
By PAUL HENRY, Observer staff reporter, henryp@jamaicaobserver.com
Thursday, October 14, 2010
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Buju-gets-bail (http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Buju-gets-bail)
JAILED Reggae artiste Buju Banton was this afternoon offered $250,000 bail in the Sam M Gibbons Federal Court in the United States.
But Banton, real name Mark Myrie, is still not in the clear as his lawyer David Oscar Markus will now have to seek bond in the immigration court to prevent his deportation to Jamaica. Banton’s entertainment visa was revoked when he was arrested last December.
As part of Banton's bail condition, he will have to wear a monitoring device and will be subject to house arrest and 24 hour security, to be paid for by the defence.
He can only leave his house for meetings with his attorney and for doctors’ appointments and to purchase medication. He will also be subjected to drug testing.
Like Buju is de Unabomber or something.......
-
Buju gets bail
By PAUL HENRY, Observer staff reporter, henryp@jamaicaobserver.com
Thursday, October 14, 2010
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Buju-gets-bail (http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Buju-gets-bail)
JAILED Reggae artiste Buju Banton was this afternoon offered $250,000 bail in the Sam M Gibbons Federal Court in the United States.
But Banton, real name Mark Myrie, is still not in the clear as his lawyer David Oscar Markus will now have to seek bond in the immigration court to prevent his deportation to Jamaica. Banton’s entertainment visa was revoked when he was arrested last December.
As part of Banton's bail condition, he will have to wear a monitoring device and will be subject to house arrest and 24 hour security, to be paid for by the defence.
He can only leave his house for meetings with his attorney and for doctors’ appointments and to purchase medication. He will also be subjected to drug testing.
Like Buju is de Unabomber or something.......
In America it agianst the law to hate faggots..
war..
-
Buju gets bail
By PAUL HENRY, Observer staff reporter, henryp@jamaicaobserver.com
Thursday, October 14, 2010
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Buju-gets-bail (http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Buju-gets-bail)
JAILED Reggae artiste Buju Banton was this afternoon offered $250,000 bail in the Sam M Gibbons Federal Court in the United States.
But Banton, real name Mark Myrie, is still not in the clear as his lawyer David Oscar Markus will now have to seek bond in the immigration court to prevent his deportation to Jamaica. Banton’s entertainment visa was revoked when he was arrested last December.
As part of Banton's bail condition, he will have to wear a monitoring device and will be subject to house arrest and 24 hour security, to be paid for by the defence.
He can only leave his house for meetings with his attorney and for doctors’ appointments and to purchase medication. He will also be subjected to drug testing.
Like Buju is de Unabomber or something.......
In America it agianst the law to hate faggots..
war..
Damn war...I know men who do wuss dan buju and they walking the streets normal normal.
But anyway I guess they making him the example :beermug:
-
In America it agianst the law to hate faggots..
war..
Damn war...I know men who do wuss dan buju and they walking the streets normal normal.
But anyway I guess they making him the example :beermug:
Do you people even realize that this is a separate proceeding, unrelated to the recent trial? Or do you just revel in playing the 'victim' card when convenient?
-
In America it agianst the law to hate faggots..
war..
Damn war...I know men who do wuss dan buju and they walking the streets normal normal.
But anyway I guess they making him the example :beermug:
Do you people even realize that this is a separate proceeding, unrelated to the recent trial? Or do you just revel in playing the 'victim' card when convenient?
Dais why we have you here to explain thing :angel: :beermug:
-
Dais why we have you here to explain thing :angel: :beermug:
Lol... well, this is an immigration hearing, which is an Administrative hearing, not a legal one. Technically it is related to the criminal case since the visa was revoked after the arrest, but in reality it's a separate proceeding.
-
February retrial for Buju
Jamaica Observer
REGGAE singer Buju Banton's desire to spend time with his family before round two of his cocaine and weapons possession trial in a Florida court has resulted in the retrial being rescheduled for next February.
Banton's second trial was supposed to start in December after the first ended with a hung jury in September, but his legal team last week filed a motion in the Sam M Gibbons federal court for a postponement so the Jamaican artiste could post bond to be with his family.
"Buju really wants to spend some time with his family before the next trial," lead attorney Oscar David Markus told the Observer yesterday. "Hopefully this will give him a little breather before round two."
The motion was yesterday granted by United States District Judge James Moody. A specific date for the retrial was not set.
Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, is accused of conspiring to buy five kilogrammes of cocaine from an undercover officer in Sarasota, Florida. He was arrested last December after the arrest of two other men, Ian Thomas and James Mack, who later pleaded guilty. They will be sentenced this month.
The artiste was charged along with the men for possession of a firearm during the furtherance of a crime. The gun was actually in Mack's possession.
Banton was granted US$250,000 bail last month but wrangling between his legal team and the prosecution is preventing him from taking up the bail, which would see him being placed under immediate house arrest.
The prosecution is now in the process of appealing a decision by the court to allow Banton to hire two security firms, whose officers would be at Banton's home 24 hours per day to ensure that he adheres to the conditions of his house arrest. As part of the conditions, Banton can only leave home to purchase medication, attend court and see his attorney. Banton will also have to wear an electronic tracking device.
After clearing this hurdle, Banton will have to seek bond in the immigration court in order to be released, as his entertainment visa was revoked following his arrest.
-
Buju gets permission to perform
FLORIDA, United States, Thursday December 2, 2010 – Fans will get to see reggae superstar Buju Banton perform at the ‘Before The Dawn’ concert early in the New Year, the first chance since his arrest on drug charges.
This after US Judge James Moody yesterday overturned last month’s decision by Magistrate Judge Anthony Porcelli who denied Buju’s request to perform at a December 26th show. The show, named after the album which the singer released while he was in prison in September, has been rescheduled for January 16th and will be held at the Bay Front Amphitheatre in downtown Miami.
In his ruling, Moody said the argument that Buju (real name Mark Myrie) is a flight risk cannot stand as a reason for him not to attend the concert since that matter was addressed when the singer was released on US$250,000 bail in November.
Under the conditions of the bail that was granted almost a year after his arrest on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and aiding and abetting two others in possessing a firearm during the course of distribution, Buju has to pay for a 24-hour security detail – which his lawyers say cost US$20,000 per month – wear an electronic monitor and take drug tests.
He is generally restricted to his home except to attend court, meet with his lawyers, seek medical care, or if he is granted the court’s permission to leave otherwise.
-
Big blow for Buju
By Arthur Hall (Jamaica Gleaner)
Days before he faces retrial in a United States court, dancehall star Buju Banton has been dealt a severe blow.
United States District Judge James Moody Jr has dismissed a motion filed by lawyers representing Buju, whose real name is Mark Myrie, seeking to throw out a superseding indictment filed by prosecutors.
This means that when Buju faces the court again, starting February 14, he will be answering five charges instead of the two that he faced in his first trial.
Efforts to contact Buju's lawyer, David Markus, were unsuccessful yesterday, but legal officials in the US agreed that while Buju could still beat the charges, he now has a more difficult mountain to climb.
When he was first arrested in December 2009, Buju was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and aiding and abetting his two co-defendants in knowingly and intentionally possessing a firearm during the course of a drug offence.
The jury was unable to agree ona verdict and the case ended in a mistrial.
Last November, US prosecutors obtained a superseding indictment against Buju which added two additional counts and modified the gun charge.
Lawyers representing Buju rushed to court seeking a dismissal of the superseding indictment, alleging vindictiveness on the part of the prosecutors because of the mistrial and the defence's attempts to get the charges dismissed.
"The court should presume that the new charges and modification were added by the government in retaliation for (the defendant) exercising his constitutional rights," Buju's lawyers argued.
But the prosecutors hit back: "As long as the prosecutor has probable cause to believe the accused has committed a crime, the courts have no authority to interfere with a prosecutor's decision to prosecute."
Judge differs
In his ruling, Moody sided with the prosecution.
"The court concludes that, even assuming, for the purpose of argument, that (the) defendant made a threshold showing that his exercise of pretrial rights was followed by charges of increased severity, (the) defendant is not entitled to a presumption of prosecutorial vindictiveness."
Moody added: "The United States' initial indictment did not foreclose it from bringing further charges against the defendant."
In the meantime, there was some good news for Buju on Monday as a judge upheld his request to have the two men initially charged with him appear in court to give evidence during his retrial.
Buju had asked the court that Ian Thomas and James Mack, his two co-accused, be taken from the jail where they are being held and made available to give testimony.
Thomas and Mack have already pleaded guilty to the charges and are awaiting sentencing. They did not testify during the original trial.
-
Buju is an ass. yu cya fight america justice system once yu hate battyman. tek di plea bargain Buju..tek it.. tek yu 5 years and come out.. we guh still love yu..
war
-
Big blow for ‘Buju’ - Reggae artiste now to answer four charges
BY PAUL HENRY Crime/Court Co-ordinator henryp@jamaicaobserver.com
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Print this page Email A Friend!
JAMAICAN reggae artiste Buju Banton will be facing four charges instead of two when he goes on retrial in a US federal court next Monday. Judge James Moody yesterday afternoon dismissed a motion by Banton seeking to have the new indictment thrown out.
"...We are going to trial on Monday on the new charges. That's okay. We are ready," attorney David Oscar Markus told the Observer yesterday.
BANTON… returns to court Monday
[Hide Description] BANTON… returns to court Monday
[Restore Description]
1/1
The four-time Grammy nominated artiste whose real name is Mark Myrie, had originally been tried last September on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and aiding and abetting the possession of a firearm during a drug-trafficking offence.
Banton will now be tried for:
* conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine;
* attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine;
* possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offence; and
* using the wires to facilitate a drug-trafficking offence.
The prosecution had secured the new indictment with an additional two counts last November after Banton's first trial ended with a hung jury in September.
Banton is to be tried in the Sam M Gibbons Federal Court in Tampa, Florida. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years' imprisonment.
Banton was arrested in December 2009 as part of a sting operation following the arrests of two men, Ian Thomas and James Mack, in Florida and was slapped with the drug and weapon charges. The men, who pleaded guilty to the charges last year are expected to testify during Banton's second trial. They did not participate in the previous trial.
The second trial was to have started last December but was postponed so Banton, who is on US$250,000 bail and is subjected to house arrest, could spend time with his family.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Big-blow-for--Buju-_8347046#ixzz1DYuEyeOo
-
I'm even more skeptical of the prosecution proving these new charges.
-
Buju wins best reggae album
http://www.grammy.com/nominees?year=2010&genre=29
-
Buju wins best reggae album
http://www.grammy.com/nominees?year=2010&genre=29
Is that really the best reggae album for 2010 or did Buju draw the sympathy vote as he has this case to deal with?
Must admire the patriotism of Jamaicans who decided to vote for Buju based upon the his situation and seeing that he needed the maximum possible support.
-
Buju wins best reggae album
http://www.grammy.com/nominees?year=2010&genre=29
Is that really the best reggae album for 2010 or did Buju draw the sympathy vote as he has this case to deal with?
Must admire the patriotism of Jamaicans who decided to vote for Buju based upon the his situation and seeing that he needed the maximum possible support.
Fans can't vote though... and I doubt Academy members would have that much sympathy for him for it to color their votes. More likely is that his label bought favors... I have a very cynical view of these award shows.
-
Buju wins best reggae album
http://www.grammy.com/nominees?year=2010&genre=29
Is that really the best reggae album for 2010 or did Buju draw the sympathy vote as he has this case to deal with?
Must admire the patriotism of Jamaicans who decided to vote for Buju based upon the his situation and seeing that he needed the maximum possible support.
Fans can't vote though... and I doubt Academy members would have that much sympathy for him for it to color their votes. More likely is that his label bought favors... I have a very cynical view of these award shows.
Yea lot's of entertainers and even actors with the Emmy's or Academy awards say it's highly political. But good for Buju though, at least it's something positive for him in the midst of everything he's going through.
-
http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/02/22/buju-banton-found-guilty-in-drug-case/?mod=google_news_blog
Buju Banton, a popular Jamaican reggae singer, has been found guilty of drug charges by a Florida jury. Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, was accused of setting up a drug deal in 2009 with two other men. Banton was charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, among other counts. His first trial ended in a deadlocked jury. Banton’s album “Before the Dawn” won the Grammy for best reggae album earlier this month.
-
:o ,say what every black man getting it these days ..., lets see ja rule going in soon ,TI ,Wesley Snipes,lil wayne,my boi Scarface ,
-
http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/02/22/buju-banton-found-guilty-in-drug-case/?mod=google_news_blog
Buju Banton, a popular Jamaican reggae singer, has been found guilty of drug charges by a Florida jury. Banton,
damn......didnt see that comming
-
http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/02/22/buju-banton-found-guilty-in-drug-case/?mod=google_news_blog
Buju Banton, a popular Jamaican reggae singer, has been found guilty of drug charges by a Florida jury. Banton,
damn......didnt see that comming
yeah... that is very surprising. Trial over quick too.
-
when is sentencing?
:'(
-
what de jail these artist is be tinking?
-
Buju's co-accused gets 51 months
By Paul Henry (Jamaica Observer)
IAN Thomas, the co-accused of convicted Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton, was yesterday sentenced to 51 months' imprisonment in a federal court in Tampa, Florida.
The sentence was more than the 18 months that Thomas had requested in court documents last week for co-operating with the prosecution against Banton.
"Mr Thomas requests that the court deem a sentence of 18 months more than reasonable in this case," according to the papers filed in the Sam M Gibbons Federal Court last Friday.
Yesterday's sentence follows Banton's conviction in the said court in February on charges of conspiracy to distribute five or more kilogrammes of cocaine, possession of a firearm in the furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and using the wires to facilitate a drug-trafficking offence.
The Grammy award-winning artiste was acquitted of a fourth charge of attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, is to be sentenced on June 23. He faces upwards of 15 years in prison.
Thomas, who is a long-time friend of Banton, was arrested in an undercover operation in a warehouse in Florida along with a man by the name of James Mack in December 2009. Banton was arrested hours later at his south Florida home. Both Thomas and Mack pleaded guilty on the charges against them. They were scheduled to give evidence in Banton's trial but were not called.
Although Thomas did not give evidence in court, his briefing, according to the court document filed last Friday, has tremendously benefited the prosecution. Thomas said in the filing that he did not stand to benefit from any sale of cocaine and that his only function was to seek a buyer for the cocaine that the Government's confidential source had presented.
"After consideration of the factors enumerated... this court should find that a sentence below the advisory guideline range is sufficient but not greater than the necessary to achieve the purposes of sentencing," said the document.
-
Buju Banton Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison
By: Mitch Stacy, Associated Press
Despite pleas for leniency from family members, fans and supporters, a federal judge sentenced Grammy-winning reggae singer Buju Banton on Thursday to 10 years in prison Thursday for conspiring to set up a cocaine deal.
Banton was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and using a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking offense.
Dozens of letters to U.S. District Judge James S. Moody are included in the court file for the 37-year-old recording artist, whose given name is Mark Myrie. Several of his 15 children wrote, as did a former Jamaican government official, an NBA player, other reggae artists and actor Danny Glover, who called Banton a "role model, philanthropist and spiritual leader in the community."
"Your honor, Mark Myrie is not a drug dealer," Glover wrote. "Society would not benefit from his incarceration."
Banton's attorney, David Markus, says federal sentencing guidelines call for a prison term of at least 15 years. In a court filing, Markus told Moody that is "way more than necessary" in Banton's case.
The judge did throw out a gun charge, lowering Banton's sentence from 15 years to 10. He was also ordered to serve five years of probation following his release from prison.
Markus contended that Banton deserved a lower sentence because of his limited participation in the drug buy, his charitable work in Jamaica and his otherwise clean record.
Banton's oldest son, also named Mark Myrie, wrote that his father "puts hard work, sweat and tears into his music and that is what (he) `puts on the table,' it has never been drugs....The situation is just an example of our mere imperfections as people, being at the wrong place at the wrong time."
Assistant U.S. Attorney James Preston argued during trial that Banton portrayed himself as a broker of drug deals in several conversations with a confidential informant. Preston said Banton thought he was getting involved in a "no-risk" deal in which he would introduce a friend to a confidential informant and then collect money from drug transactions.
Prosecutors acknowledge that Banton did not put any money into the drug deal nor did he ever profit from it. Markus characterized his client as "a big talker" who admitted to trying to impress the confidential informant but wasn't involved in any drug deal.
Much of the case hinged on meetings and phone calls that were video- and audiotaped by the informant, who was working with the Drug Enforcement Administration - and who made $50,000 in commission after the bust.
In one video, Banton could be seen tasting cocaine in a Sarasota warehouse on Dec. 8, 2009. But he was not present during the actual drug deal on Dec. 10 that led two others to be arrested. Those two men later pleaded guilty.
Banton testified that the informant badgered him after they met on a trans-Atlantic flight in July 2009 and insisted they meet to set up a cocaine purchase. He said he was so uninterested in the informant's proposals that after they met twice, Banton didn't return the man's phone calls for months.
Banton remains wildly popular in Jamaica, and his trial - his second over the drug accusations - was packed with supporters that included other well-known reggae artists. The first trial ended in a mistrial last year after the jury deadlocked.
Shortly before his conviction in February, he won a Grammy for best reggae album for his work entitled "Before the Dawn."
-
I was stunned when I woke up to this news! Sad, but if you want to dance to the music you have to pay the piper.
-
He shoulda let Lindsey or Pariss carry de stash for he.
-
he could be out in 6 years. i thought the minimum he was going to get was 15 to 25 years. buju will become even a bigger legend when release.
Buju Banton gets lowest sentence legally allowed
2011-06-23 11:53:24 | (13 Comments)
Buju Banton.TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge sentenced Grammy-winning reggae singer Buju Banton to 10 years in prison Thursday, the lowest sentence legally allowed for his role in a large cocaine trafficking deal in 2009.
The 38-year-old Jamaican recording artist got a break when U.S. District Judge James S. Moody threw out a gun conviction, which would have added another five years to the minimum sentence. Banton's attorney, David Markus, said with time already served and good behavior, he could be out in six years.
In a statement he wrote after the sentencing, Banton — whose given name is Mark Myrie — thanked family, fans and supporters from around the world who flooded the court file with letters of support.
"The days that lie ahead are filled with despair, but I have courage and grace and I'm hopeful, and that is sufficient to carry me through," he said in the statement, which was read by Markus. "The man is not dead. Don't call him a ghost."
Banton, dressed in gray jail scrubs and shackled at the ankles, did not speak in court and did not react when Moody announced the sentence. The tall, thin, dreadlocked singer blew a kiss and waved to his subdued supporters as he was led away.
A jury found him guilty in February of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and using a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. Moody threw out the gun charge, acknowledging that Banton had no idea others involved in the conspiracy were carrying guns, which was the basis for the charge. He was not convicted of carrying a weapon himself.
Markus contended that Banton deserved a lower sentence because of his limited participation in the drug buy, his charitable work in Jamaica and his otherwise clean record.
But prosecutor James Preston argued for a longer term, contending that the cocaine deal would not have gone down without Banton's participation. Moody agreed that Banton's participation was key to the deal but declined to increase the sentence.
Preston acknowledged it was a sad day for Banton's fans but noted the distinction between the joyful reggae artist Buju Banton and the drug dealer Mark Myrie.
"He has brought this sadness to these people," Preston said in court, acknowledging Banton's supporters who filled the gallery. Preston declined to comment afterward.
Preston argued during trial that Banton portrayed himself as a broker of drug deals in several conversations with a confidential informant. Preston said Banton thought he was getting involved in a "no-risk" deal in which he would introduce a friend to a confidential informant and then collect money from drug transactions.
Prosecutors acknowledged that Banton did not put any money into the drug deal nor did he ever profit from it. Markus characterized his client as "a big talker" who admitted to trying to impress the confidential informant but wasn't involved in any drug deal.
Much of the case hinged on meetings and phone calls that were video- and audiotaped by the informant, who was working with the Drug Enforcement Administration — and who made $50,000 in commission after the bust.
In one video, Banton could be seen tasting cocaine in a Sarasota warehouse on Dec. 8, 2009. But he was not present during the actual drug deal on Dec. 10 that led two others to be arrested. Those two men later pleaded guilty.
Banton testified that the informant badgered him after they met on a trans-Atlantic flight in July 2009 and insisted they meet to set up a cocaine purchase. He said he was so uninterested in the informant's proposals that after they met twice, Banton didn't return the man's phone calls for months.
Markus said he plans to appeal.
"This fight is not over," Markus said. "We will keep fighting for him. Mark Myrie is my brother, and I'm going to keep fighting until they tell me to stop."
Among the dozens of letters of support in the court file were those from several of Banton's 15 children wrote, a Jamaican government official, an NBA player, other reggae artists and actor Danny Glover, who called Banton a "role model, philanthropist and spiritual leader in the community."
"Your honor, Mark Myrie is not a drug dealer," Glover wrote. "Society would not benefit from his incarceration."
Banton's oldest son, also named Mark Myrie, wrote that his father "puts hard work, sweat and tears into his music and that is what (he) 'puts on the table,' it has never been drugs....The situation is just an example of our mere imperfections as people, being at the wrong place at the wrong time."
Banton remains wildly popular in Jamaica, and his trial — his second over the drug accusations — was packed with supporters that included other well-known reggae artists. The first trial ended in a mistrial last year after the jury deadlocked.
Shortly before his conviction in February, he won a Grammy for best reggae album for his work entitled "Before the Dawn."
-
uuuuuuummmm......Buju just pray men in de prison doh remember yuh infamous song..... :whistling:
-
DRIVER:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai7mzkZcRsw&feature=related
-
Juror misconduct investigation in Buju Banton case expands
By Elaine Silvestrini (The Tampa Tribune)
A federal judge is expanding his investigation into allegations of juror misconduct in the drug trial of reggae star Buju Banton.
U.S. District Judge James Moody today ordered U.S. marshals to seize computers belonging to jury forewoman Terri Wright so a defense expert can see whether Internet research was conducted during the trial.
The judge also plans to hold a second hearing on the issue and subpoena the remaining jurors.
The jury in the Banton case – as is common in all jury trials – was told to refrain from conducting outside research and to judge the case solely on evidence introduced in the courtroom and the legal instructions given by the judge.
Convictions have been overturned before because of jurors' Internet activity, but one expert who researches juror misconduct said he has never heard of a judge going as far as ordering the seizure of a juror's computer and subpoenaing an entire jury.
"That's pretty far out," said Bennett L. Gersham, a professor at Pace Law School in New York. "It reflects the gravity of the situation and the dangers at work here."
Gersham said that if the judge determines Wright violated his orders then lied about it under oath, she could face charges of contempt of court or even perjury.
Charles Rose, a professor at Stetson University School of Law, said everyone is used to having access to information at the tips of their fingers and they bring those expectations into the courtroom.
"While the judges will order what you call digital sequestration of the jury, those orders are routinely being violated," Rose said. "I think it's almost ubiquitous at this point."
Gersham agreed that it's likely common.
Consequently, he said, Moody's investigation may help curb future jurors from violating court directives by signaling the courts take the offense seriously.
"The potential for this type of behavior is enormous," Gersham said. "Maybe you need to do this to send a message to jurors to resist the temptation to do their own outside research."
Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, is serving a 10-year prison sentence for two drug offenses. The Grammy winner faces an additional five years on a related gun possession charge.
Wright told a reporter for a South Florida newspaper that she researched the case.
"I would get in the car, just write my notes down so I could remember, and I would come home and do the research," Wright said in response to a question about whether she did her research during or after the trial.
Wright and three other jurors were called to testify at a hearing before Moody last month, and Wright insisted her research had been conducted only after the case was over.
Wright testified she researched Banton's music and the federal Pinkerton rule, which involves liability among conspirators for the actions of other conspirators.
Two of the other jurors testified that they had not heard anything about fellow jurors doing research during the trial. But one said she recalled a white woman juror saying she had researched the Pinkerton law. Wright is black.
Before the Internet was widely available, Rose said, jury misconduct arose as an issue mostly in organized crime cases involving allegations of jury tampering.
"It is very uncommon and it is a distinctive occasion that a judge has more than probable cause to believe that this juror did something inappropriate that impacted on the verdict,"
Rose said, "It's only been with the advent of the Internet that we can tell when the jurors don't follow the judge's instructions on the law. Before we accepted the fiction they did."
The U.S. Attorney's Office, which is prosecuting the case, declined comment on the latest developments.
One of Banton's attorneys, Imhotep Alkebu-lan, said what Judge Moody has ordered "is a very big deal. …I'm taking it as an indication that the court still has questions about Wright's credibility and whether there were other jurors who violated the court's admonition."
Banton's trial lawyer, David Oscar Markus said, "The jury was 10-2 for not guilty until one juror committed serious misconduct. I'm thankful that Judge Moody will make sure justice is served."
If Banton wins the motion, he could get what would be his third trial in the case. The first trial ended when jurors were unable to agree whether to convict the singer.
But it's possible the case could be resolved without another trial. During the telephone conference, Moody asked the lawyers if they had discussed the possibility of resolving the pending issues, according to the court's minutes of the conference.
Alkebu-Ian said plea negotiations are a possibility and that the defense lawyers would pursue "whatever is in Mr. Myrie's best interest."
He said the defense would be willing to discuss a guilty plea to a lesser charge that would allow the singer to be released from prison.
-
Juror's testimony puts new spin on Buju trial
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Juror-s-testimony-puts-new-spin-on-Buju-trial_13676822#ixzz2LTGKPZLj
A juror who sat on the 2011 drug trial in which reggae star Buju Banton was convicted, testified yesterday that the reported misconduct by foreman Teri Wright was discussed in the jury room.
Banton's attorney Chukwe Lumumba told the Jamaica Observer yesterday that eight jurors who were sequestered for Banton's second drug-related trial gave conflicting evidence about Wright's alleged misconduct.
"One juror said he knew nothing about what Wright did but another threw a spanner in the works after he said it was discussed in the jury room. Everything still hangs in the air," Lumumba said.
Banton's fate still hangs in the balance as other members of the 12-member jury gave contradicting evidence about possible misconduct by Wright, who allegedly told a reporter that she had breached a judge's order to not research any aspect of law relating to the deejay's case.
A juror misconduct hearing was held in the US Sam Gibbons Court in Tampa, Florida yesterday, as judge James Moody tries to ascertain whether the artiste was unfairly tried after Wright reportedly breached his orders.
Wright allegedly told a Florida-based journalist that she researched aspects of the case whenever she left court after each day of the trial. If the allegation is true, her action would be a direct violation of Moody's orders.
Yesterday, Lumumba said Wright had turned up in court with her computer hard drive and that Moody had ordered that a computer specialist, hired by Banton, scour it for any evidence that she had violated his order.
Banton is also facing an additional five-year sentence related to a gun charge that was brought against him after his failed bid in an Atlanta Appellate Court to have his 10-year sentence overturned.
A three-member panel of judges ruled that he be sentenced to five years for a firearm that was found in the possession of co-conspirators James Mack and Ian Thomas when they attempted to purchase 25 kilogrammes of cocaine from undercover cops in a Government-controlled warehouse in Tampa.
Thomas and Mack both pleaded guilty to that charge but Banton was not present when they attempted to buy the contraband.
The reggae icon has consistently maintained that he was entrapped by the US Government and was sentenced even though a Drug Enforcement Agent testified during his first trial in September 2010 that there was no evidence that he had ever been involved in illicit drug dealing.
"We have no idea when the next court day will be," Lumumba told the Observer.
This means Banton, whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie, will have to languish in a Tampa jail until the judge makes his ruling.
Banton faced two trials before being declared guilty, and his legal team is hoping that he will be afforded a new trial or have his conviction thrown out based on the allegations of misconduct on Wright's part.
-
Another day in court for Buju Banton
rjrnewsonline.com
The United States District Court of Florida has agreed to review the Defendant's Exhibit introduced at a December 20, 2012 hearing for imprisoned international reggae artiste Buju Banton after his lawyers submitted documents hoping to prove that a juror tendered a different computer to investigators and not the one she used to carry out research related to the trial.
Terri Wright, the juror , had revealed in an interview that she researched the case during the trial.
An expert retained by attorneys representing Buju Banton found a trail of 1.6 million internet history records but none pertained to the time frame under scrutiny, February 14 to March 8, 2011.However, on Monday Buju's side renewed its attack, claiming Wright surrendered the wrong computer hard drive.
In documents filed on March 31 by Chokwe Lumumba, the attorney for the Grammy winning artiste , he contended that Wright did not comply with the court's order to provide the computer hard drive on which she did her internet research as she testified at the December 20, 2012 hearing.
The lawyers pointed to a March 26, 2013 Tampa Bay Times news article which quoted Wright's attorney Lori Palmieri as saying her client only had one computer. "It was a laptop and she brought it, end of story but not their story” said Palmieri.
But in a March 28, 2013 report, computer forensic expert Larry Daniel said he examined the hard drive provided by Wright according to the Court order.
“The hard drive delivered to me for forensic imaging was a full size hard drive from a desktop or tower computer,” he said.
According to the legal team it must be concluded from this conflict in facts that Wright did not produce her lone laptop computer hard drive and instead provided the Court with some other desktop hard drive.
The lawyers say this explains why the computer hard drive provided by Wright had no internet use during the time period in question.
Based on this, the prosecution was granted a motion to review the report from the computer forensic expert. Buju Banton whose given name is Mark Myrie was convicted of trying to set up a deal to buy 11 pounds of cocaine and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
-
Juror misconduct so hard to prove... if this is true I hope he gets a new trial.
-
well boy. I could well imagine the hard tunes that buju goh release when he come out. Blaze up Babylon!
-
Buju Banton Is One Charge Away From Emancipation Thanks to New Times
http://www.miaminewtimes.com/2013-07-04/news/buju-banton-gun-charge-thrown-out/
Based on New Times' reporting, a federal judge in Tampa last week tossed out one of two convictions that sent reggae giant Buju Banton to prison in 2011. The decision — which hinged on juror misconduct dug up by the newspaper — is just the latest plot twist since the Grammy Award winner was rounded up in a government drug sting four years ago. It also opens the way for an appeal.
The news was bittersweet for the 39-year-old star and his camp. "He was disappointed that he wasn't granted a retrial on all counts," Banton's attorney, Imhotep Alkebu-lan, tells New Times. "He's still on the hook for ten years.
Banton — born Mark Anthony Myrie — was one of the most important voices to come out of Jamaica since Bob Marley. He was repeatedly nominated for Grammy Awards and gained international infamy as a homophobe after releasing the song "Boom Bye Bye," which was allegedly about murdering gay men. He later renounced hate speech.
His career was cut short December 8, 2009, when an acquaintance delivered him to a Sarasota warehouse hot-wired for government surveillance. Once inside, the singer stood by while two men discussed the sale of cocaine and examined 20 kilos of the narcotic. Two days later, Banton and two other men were arrested and charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense.
As a February 2012 New Times feature, "Buju Behind Bars," showed, Banton was no kingpin. He had fallen under the sway of a sweet-talking government snitch named Alexander "Junior" Johnson. Busted for smuggling 700 kilos of coke into the United States in the 1990s, the Colombian native reinvented himself as confidential informant who set up criminals using a government check as bait. By the time he crossed paths with Buju, he'd banked around $3.5 million from snitching. The recording artist maintains he never intended to make a drug buy.
"Time after time for six months, this informant, who was just trying to make a buck, kept pushing and pushing and wouldn't take no for an answer," says David Oscar Markus, an attorney who previously represented Banton. "That day, Buju thought he was going to a party, and [the snitch] takes him to a warehouse with drugs."
That argument was enough to hang the jury at Banton's first trial in 2010. In a February 2011 retrial, the jury emerged after three days of deliberations to find the singer guilty on three of four charges.
At the subsequent sentencing hearing, the gun charge came in for particular scrutiny. It carried an automatic five-year sentence, but lawyers pointed out Banton has never possessed the Luger semiautomatic handgun that was found on James Mack, the man rounded up in the same sting after driving to Florida from Atlanta with $135,000 for cocaine in his car. In fact, the two men had never met.
Weighing those circumstances, Judge James Moody tossed out the allegation but handed Banton ten years for the drug charges. The government appealed, and a panel of judges in Atlanta stapled five years back onto Banton's time. The higher court cited the Pinkerton liability rule, a provision that makes a criminal responsible for offenses committed by a co-conspirator.
After the February 2012 feature story, New Times published 19 pieces tracking Banton's attempts to appeal his conviction. But it was an October 18, 2012 article — "Buju Banton Juror May Have Violated Court Orders: Grounds for a Mistrial" — that proved to be a game changer. The piece featured an exclusive interview with Terri Wright, the former foreperson who admitted to studying details of the proceedings on her computer during the trial — a clear violation of the rules. "I would get in the car, just write my notes down so I could remember, and I would come home and do the research," she told the paper.
Specifically, Wright said she looked into the Pinkerton rule. It was used by prosecutors to tie Banton to Mack's handgun.
After the piece appeared, Banton's legal team filed a motion for a new trial based on jury misconduct. At a hearing over the motion, Wright claimed New Times had misquoted her, alleging the research came after the trial.
In late November, Chris Sweeney, the writer who covered Banton's case, left the paper. In early December, the defense subpoenaed his notes and recordings. This created an awkward ethical situation: A journalist was being asked to hand over his work.
"Clearly from the perspective of the ethics in journalism, you'll go to jail before you turn over your notes. But there are exceptions to those rules, and I think those exceptions are in this case," says Charles N. Davis, a professor at the University of Missouri's School of Journalism. "Here you have a woman who is essentially accusing him of a much worse journalism crime, which is effectively fabrication, or at least deception. If I were him, I would have done the exact same thing to clear my journalistic name."
Adds Sweeney: "I was not too pleased about getting subpoenaed. But I was pissed. I wasn't going to let Terri Wright lie and say that I fabricated quotes. It's not like I was protecting any sources, so I might as well [testify]."
On December 20, Sweeney testified in Tampa. He produced a recording of the interview he had made of their conversation with Wright's consent. The tape confirmed Wright's published quotes regarding research. When the juror took the stand and heard her words played back, she still continued to maintain the research had been done after the proceedings. Banton's attorneys also grilled her on her failure to acknowledge she had served on seven juries. She had even said she would like to be a professional juror.
To settle the issue, Moody ordered Wright to hand over her computer so an expert could comb the hardware for past searches. But a close inspection showed that the equipment Wright submitted to the court hadn't been used at all from May 2010 to June 2011 — a time span that stretched four months after the trial. Banton's defense argued that Wright had submitted a different hard drive to distance herself from charges of wrongdoing. The juror continued to claim she'd done nothing wrong.
Last week, Moody ignored Wright's explanations. He ordered the gun charge thrown out because of the juror's research. He also told the state to prepare a contempt charge against the former juror for deceiving the court about the hard drive. She could face a fine and six-month sentence if convicted.
But Moody also ruled against a defense motion to throw out the drug charges, potentially leaving Banton in jail for the remainder of his ten-year sentence.
According to Markus, now that law libraries, statutes, and case law are a Google search away from anyone, more court cases are hindered by rogue research. "These issues are coming up quite frequently," he explains. "Judges are put in a difficult position today, because every day, jurors are going home to do research."
Banton's legal team says the New Times article about the juror's work "without a doubt" is responsible for the latest development. "That was the basis for our motion for retrial," Alkebu-lan says.
Team Buju is now weighing its options. Moody's decision leaves the whole proceeding in an awkward — and ridiculous — middle ground. By rejecting the gun charge, the judge acknowledged Wright's misconduct tainted the proceedings — but if she tainted one count, how is it possible she didn't poison the whole process?
"I'm not sure you can put those things into separate boxes," Markus says. "Once a juror, especially the foreperson, is doing outside research, it really affects the whole trial. And I think it really applies here. The jury initially voted 10-2 not guilty on all counts. This woman really affected how the jury thought about the case."
That's why, when Banton's attorneys appeal Moody's decision to leave the drug charges in place, it is possible the higher court will clear the deck. The defendant has a 14-day window to appeal Moody's decision to leave the drug charges in place. The prosecution also has the option to retry Banton on the gun charge (the U.S. Attorney's Office declined to comment about the case for this article), although it's unlikely at this point. For the recording star, that means his hellish run through the criminal justice system might soon be over.
"This decision," Alkebu-lan says, "helps us tremendously."
-
‘Buju’ warns T&T: Look out for scam
T&T Express.
Concert promoters in Trinidad and Tobago are being warned that they should not pay funds to an individual posing as the authorised agent for incarcerated reggae star, Buju Banton.
“A certain individual in Trinidad has approached promoters with the false claim that he is the local agent for renowned reggae musician Buju Banton. He has further sought to swindle monies by stating he is authorised to collect funds for a concert being held for Buju Banton in Trinidad during this year,” according to a joint statement issued by the Buju Banton Defence Support Committee and his attorney, Charles Ogletree.
“We wish to warn the public that it is totally untrue. Buju Banton has not given such rights to anyone in Trinidad. Nor is a concert being organised at this time,” the statement added.
Banton is currently serving a ten-year sentence on drug-related charges after he was arrested at his South Florida home in December 2009 and charged with conspiracy to distribute five or more kilogrammes of cocaine.
His arrest followed a sting operation at a Drug Enforcement Administration-controlled warehouse in Tampa, which also resulted in the arrest of James Mack and Ian Thomas, who were attempting to purchase cocaine from undercover agents.
After two trials Banton was sentenced in a Tampa, Florida court.
However, Ogletree filed a second appeal in the 11th US Circuit Court on February 4, claiming his client was denied a fair trial due to juror misconduct.
Banton has maintained his innocence and says he was entrapped by the US Government.
The attorney has warned that the person who is posing as an agent for the singer could face legal action if caught.
“Anyone seeking to do this would suffer legal consequences. We urge that you immediately inform the authorities of anyone who solicits monies from you for that purpose,” the release stated.
—CMC
-
When did Charles Ogletree join this mix?
-
Buju Banton avoids gun charge in new deal
By Patty Ryan (Tampa Bay Times)
The imprisoned reggae star known to the world as Buju Banton has made a deal with prosecutors that eliminates a pending gun charge and frees him in less than four years.
He'll quit filing appeals. In exchange, the United States will stop trying to hold him accountable for a gun carried by another man in the cocaine conspiracy that sent Banton away for a decade.
Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, could have faced an additional five years if convicted.
Instead, he will be deported to his native Jamaica after his scheduled January 2019 release from prison, the U.S. Attorney's Office said Thursday in announcing the settlement, which was approved by U.S. District Judge James S. Moody Jr. earlier this week.
Nearly two years ago, Moody threw out a 2011 conviction on the gun count after finding that a juror had inappropriately researched a legal theory relating to the charge.
Banton wanted the other verdicts tossed, too, but recently lost an appeal, returning the matter to Tampa.
Still unresolved? The fate of the juror, Terri Wright. Moody has asked a special prosecutor to explore whether a contempt charge is warranted. He is expected to be updated on the matter next week.
Banton is currently held at McRae Correctional Facility in McRae, Ga., according to the Bureau of Prisons inmate locator website.
-
Buju Banton's 10-year sentence reduced
Jamaica Gleaner
United States (US) authorities appear to have shaved almost two months off the prison sentence of Jamaican Grammy Award-winning entertainer Buju Banton.
The US Federal Bureau of Prison indicated on its website yesterday that the artiste, whose given name is Mark Myrie, is to be released on December 8, 2018.
The Bureau of Prisons had originally indicated that Buju would be released from the McRae correctional institution in Atlanta, Georgia, in February 2019.
A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons told The Gleaner/Power 106 News Centre yesterday that she was not authorised to divulge information about an inmate.
Rosemary Duncan, coordinator of the Buju Banton Defence Support Committee, also declined to comment on the entertainer’s reduced sentence.
The reduced sentence comes months after the US Attorney’s Office in Florida announced an agreement in which it says the entertainer agreed to waive all future appeals of his 2011 conviction on cocaine distribution and conspiracy charges.
In return, prosecutors agreed to drop a firearms charge against him.
Buju was arrested in December 2009 and found guilty in February 2011.
He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment.
-
2 months? Sounds like almost nothing but I guess any reduction is good.
10 years is rough!
-
Buju Banton in comments to the Jamaica Observer:
“I am already going to classes. I have passed the acceptance test and I will be studying political science and economics. I hope to get a master’s by the time I am released. I can do anything I put my mind to; you know that. I have balls of steel. People who know me know that I am very determined and will achieve my goals despite hardships. I will not allow the system to conquer me.”
Seeing reports online that suggest Buju has graduated with a graduate degree in Music Business from NYU's Steinhardt.
-
He's a free man as of today.
-
IT'S official. Buju Banton's first major performance will be held on March 16 at National Stadium in St Andrew, Jamaica.
-
$2000-tickets for Buju's I am Legend concert
By Rachael Espinet (Newsday).
TICKETS for Buju Banton's concert I am Legend could cost patrons up to $2,000, and for that price the perks are limited drinks and food inclusive for this very very important person (VVIP) option.
Yesterday, event promoters High Frequency Entertainment announced tickets were officially on sale online and are only available via the website at www.iamlegendconcert.com.
The website states ticket prices are $400 for general admission, $1,000 for VIP and $2,000 for VVIP. Cabanas are also available upon request.
The I am Legend concert is scheduled to take place on April 21, 2019, at the Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain. A perfromance line-up is yet to be announced but promoters encourage fans to subscribe to their mailing list to stay updated.
Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, was released on December 8 after being incarcerated for seven-years at McRae Correctional Facility in Georgia, US, for conspiracy to possess cocaine in 2011.
A parade was held the day of his release in Port-of-Spain where scores of people celebrated the musician's release.
On December 9, all of Banton's official social media channels stated: "At this time and for the next few weeks, Buju will be spending time with family, friends and loved ones and has no plans of any public appearances. We would like to inform you that there has been no new music released by Buju Banton and absolutely no dubplate sessions set up as of now."
On December 12, High Frequency Entertainment posted pictures of Banton captioned, "Buju Banton is back in studio."
Banton's first concert after his release is the Long Walk to Freedom concert on March 16, 2019 at the National Stadium, Kingston, Jamaica. He will have a 90-minute set.
-
Buju stage changed.
By Melissa Doughty (Newsday).
HIGH Frequency Entertainment, organisers of the April 21 I Am Legend concert to be headlined by Buju Banton has changed the layout of the stage.
The new design shows the main stage with the VVIP area very close by, the VIP area behind and to the left of the VVIP area and the general admission area behind that. It also shows two audio systems positioned in the general area.
Behind the general area there is a section called general seating with “parliament seating” (for specially invited government officials) at the centre. This comes after concerns were raised on social media about the proposed layout of the stage. The original version showed the main stage set between the general area and the VIP and VVIP areas.
This caused some patrons to question whether they would actually be able to see Buju Banton, as his back would be towards one or other section of the audience at all times.
Questioned then about the proposed layout, High Frequency Entertainment issued a press release saying concertgoers would be completely satisfied with it.
The release went on, “We see, hear and acknowledge the questions raised by all prospective patrons...
“You can rest assured that all patrons will be completely satisfied with visibility of the stage and experience at the venue, on show night.”
The concert will be held at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain. This is Buju Banton’s first concert in T&T in over seven years. In 2011 he was charged and convicted in the US of illegal possession of a firearm and conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute. He was originally sentenced to ten years in jail, but his sentence was reduced to seven years when a judge dismissed the gun charge.
-
Buju can come to T&T
By Ryan Hamilton-Davis (Newsday).
Internationally acclaimed dancehall artist Buju Banton, who is set to headline the I Am Legend concert this weekend, has been given permission to enter the country.
Banton, along with Wayne Wonder and Luciano, was officially allowed in today, by order of National Security Minister Stuart Young, according to a tweet by the ministry.
Last Thursday, Young announced at a post -Cabinet press conference that Banton would have to apply for an exemption to enter T&T because of his criminal history. Banton was released from a US prison on December 7 after serving close seven years for a drug-related crime.
-
Griffith defends decision to appear on Buju’s stage
by Shaliza Hassanali (Guardian).
Police Commissioner Gary Griffith yesterday defended his decision to appear on stage during Buju Banton’s “I am Legend Concert” stating if he had not done so it would have resulted in a strained relationship between T&T and Jamaica.
Griffith’s comments came hours after he was criticised on social media for appearing at Banton’s concert at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, stating that he was just looking for fame and to score points.
Griffith, however, in a WhatsApp message to the media on Monday, insisted that it was Banton who requested him on stage.
He criticised his detractors whom he described as immature and ignorant, insisting that he would not please individuals who are jealous or have tunnel vision, but rather those who are patriotic, possess humility and responsibility and would put country first.
On Saturday, the Jamaican’s reggae star room at the Hilton Trinidad room was searched by members of the Organised Crime and Intelligence Unit (OCIU).
In response, Banton questioned the validity of the search after the police left empty-handed.
This incident, Griffith said “was set to cause a major rift between our country and Jamaica. This was because of a poor procedure by the TTPS in the conduct of the search. Hence the TTPS may have been directly responsible for such a rift,” Griffith stated.
Griffith has since announced a major overhaul of the OCIU following the raid.
He said the officers did not carry out proper surveillance before acting.
Hours after the incident, Griffith met with the reggae singer where he apologised and gave the assurance that the remainder of Banton’s visit will be peaceful and incident-free.
During the concert, Griffith promised Banton that T&T and Jamaica would remain “allies forever.”
Griffith also advised those who were more concerned about national popularity to put their energies where it can be better valued.
“Had I not done this, relations between both countries could have been severely affected.
“Possible boycotts of our products and other private sector sanctions were also on the table. If others are not aware or care about this due to ego over common sense, I cannot help that.”
If his actions affected some people but helped to bridge the gap between the two Caribbean countries, Griffith said he felt sorry for them.
“I did what was needed to be done. Not to please those who have nothing better to do other than criticise due to their inability to understand the bigger picture.
“If others are upset, then they should report it to the entertainment police.”
(http://www.guardian.co.tt/image-3.1984653.2966f3a2b1?size=1024)
Police Commissioner Gary Griffith appears on stage with Jamaica reggae artiste Buju Banton at the I Am Legend concert at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Sunday.
-
Mixed views over Gary’s stint on Buju stage
by Rishard Khan (Guardian).
There are mixed views among various stakeholders about the rationale given by Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith for his appearance on stage with Jamaican reggae icon Mark “Buju Banton” Myrie at the “I am Legend Concert” on Sunday, 24 hours after police raided Banton’s hotel room.
Griffith’s appearance on stage concert raised some eyebrows in several quarters. Following criticism on social media, Griffith released a statement saying his acceptance of Banton’s offer to appear on stage was to mitigate any negative effects from the raid and prevent a possible rift between Jamaica and T&T.
“To those who do not understand the acceptance of responsibility and patriotism, had I not done this, relations between both countries could have been severely affected; possible boycotts of our products and other private sector sanctions were also on the table,” Griffith said.
“If my actions affected some but it helped bridge the gap between our country and a close ally Jamaica, then I feel sorry for those who I may have hurt, however, I did what was needed to be done. In fact, I did not put myself on stage; Buju requested it.”
Addressing the issue, Charge d’Affaires at the Jamaican High Commission Delita McCallum, who was at the meeting between Banton and Griffith on Saturday night, said that all issues were sorted out.
“The commissioner came and he met with Mr Buju Banton and he made a public statement and I think the matter has been resolved. We don’t have any particular views on the matter. We met as a team and we resolved the issues and we’re confident things have been…normalised,” McCallum said told Guardian Media.
“We resolved it in a diplomatic manner…we were satisfied the matter had been resolved at that moment. We cannot speak to what transpired afterwards.”
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley also weighed in on the issue as he attended the annual Goat and Crab Races in Tobago, saying he believed Griffith handled the situation well.
But former director of the Institute of International Relations at the University of the West Indies, Professor Anthony Bryan, said the premise of Griffith’s stage appearance was not entirely accurate as there aren’t any current tensions between the countries.
“There is no reason for any of that to happen. There are no suspended issues of disagreement between the two countries where you could be influenced by the fact that a reggae artiste had his room ransacked by mistake. It does not enter into the sphere of international relations at all,” Bryan said.
Communications and public relations expert Nicole Duke-Westfield, who was at the concert on Sunday and witnessed the CoP’s stage appearance, said she personally believed it to be a PR stunt to benefit both men.
“From my perspective, it seems as if it was a public relations attempt, not just by the Commissioner of Police, but...if I were managing Buju Banton’s reputation and if I were part of his marketing team and my artiste is embarking upon a global tour to re-establish himself around the world…it would certainly be to my benefit if an incident where his room was searched was subsequently put to bed by none other than the then police commissioner of police - the most senior person in the police service.”
However, the T&T Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) believes Griffith did the right thing.
In a Whatsapp message, TTMA president Franka Costelloe told Guardian Media: “…given the patriotic and proud nature of Jamaicans, this possible fall out from the raid on Mr Banton’s room is a distinct possibility. In this regard, we are thankful that this misunderstanding and misrepresentation of what transpired has been resolved in an appropriate and timely fashion and both parties have moved on from it.”
Costelloe said Jamaica remains a trading partner for T&T in the region and number one overall for all non-energy products.
“T&T not only views Jamaica as an important trading partner for exports, but we also import a significant amount of goods from Jamaica as well. Further investment flows between both countries are good, with lots of businesses from both countries investing.”
Presently, she said the relationship the countries share is courteous and “we do hope they would remain so and there would be no anti-Trinidad sentiments resulting in the faux pas with Buju Banton.”
TT Chamber of Commerce CEO Gabriel Faria also said he would have to give Griffith his support on the matter
“I know that in the past there have been issues between Trinidad and Jamaica primarily on the movement of people. Now just to be clear, this has happened years ago where some Jamaicans, under the CSME, might have been coming into Trinidad and they might have had some issues and that may have caused some negative publicity,” Faria said.
“However, I saw the commissioner’s statement and if he felt he needed to do it, I will give him the benefit of the doubt because it was based on more than just the trade issue.”
-
Thoughts on the new Buju release "Steppa"?