Reggae star Buju Banton sentenced to 10 years in prison
Grammy-winning reggae star Buju Banton this morning was ordered to serve 10 years and one month in federal prison for conviction of cocaine trafficking.
The sentence could have been longer – a minimum of 15 years – had U.S. District Judge James Moody not granted a defense motion to dismiss a firearm charge because the singer did not have a gun during the crime, and the judge said Banton could not have known another conspirator had the weapon.
Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, did not speak at his sentencing hearing. He blew a kiss to his supporters in the courtroom as he was being led away, and a woman said, "We love you, Buju!"
The wildly popular Jamaican singer released a statement, read by his attorney, David Oscar Markus, after the sentencing, thanking his fans for their support and pledging to move forward: "The days that lie ahead are filled with despair, but I have courage and grace and am hopeful. And that is sufficient to carry me through."
A jury deliberated for 11 hours in February before finding Banton, 38, 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.
A previous trial on the same charges ended in a mistrial last year when jurors deadlocked.
The federal jury's verdict came days after the Jamaican-born reggae star won a Grammy award for his work titled "Before the Dawn." When the convictions were announced, supporters in the crowded federal courtroom in downtown Tampa expressed anguish and disbelief.
His supporters were more subdued today. While disappointed to see Banton headed for prison, some said they recognized it could be worse.
Rencie Kolours, of New York, said, "At the end of the day, I wouldn't want him to get any time." But he said of the sentence, "We're going to have to work with it. We're strong people, African people. We've been fighting the fight. We just have to restructure ourselves and educate ourselves."
He said people need to learn how the system works; that you can be convicted of conspiracy because of statements.
Banton's defense during the trial was that he was set up by a highly paid government informant, and that while he made statements about drug trafficking, it was just talk and not serious.
The prosecution countered that evidence showed Banton already was involved in drug trafficking, and that he was eager to expand his drug activities when the informant offered an opportunity.
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Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, did not speak at his sentencing hearing. He blew a kiss to his supporters in the courtroom as he was being led away, and a woman said, "We love you, Buju!" The wildly popular Jamaican singer released a statement,
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The Minister will meet specifically with the leaders of the Jamaican alumni associations in South Florida to learn at first hand about their contributions to their schools and the challenges they encounter in their outreach activities.
The Jamaican equivalent of a TIN was immediately assigned to him and he was given a (TIN) card (similar to an ID card) with all the necessary information. The process, inclusive of waiting time took less than ten minutes. He did not have to give any
How Music Can Help You Learn To Speak Jamaican « Free For Good ...
Music from any country really tends to tell a cultural story in a way. It can be an overlooked form of studying any culture. Or for that matter language. When you listen to music from a country they speak their language and usually speak it more the way it’s spoken, as opposed to the way it may be taught. Hopefully that makes sense. Music can be big part in your way to learn to speak Jamaican .
Reggae music, which originated in Jamaica, has a very distinct style. It has a unique rhythm that gives it it’s laid back feel. More importantly, for what we’re discussing, it gives you a look at the Jamaican language. It gives you a look at the way the language is used in Jamaica. Exposing yourself to reggae can really help you get an ear for the sound of the language.
There are lots of great reggae artists out there. The one most people are familiar with is the late, great Bob Marley. He has quite a few really recognizable songs, like “I Shot the Sheriff”, “Jammin’” and “No Woman, No Cry”. Just listening to a few of his songs really gives you a feel of the Jamaican language. Other artists like Lee “Scratch” Perry, King Tubby, Jimmy Cliff and Peter Tosh have lots of really great songs that not only can help you learn to speak Jamaican , but really speak of the culture in Jamaica.
If you’ve been thinking about wanting to learn to talk Jamaican it won’t hurt to get into the music at all. Like I said, it really helps you get accustomed to it. If you want to find out how you can learn to speak Jamaican , http://www.speakjamaican.com.
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