Teen killed for laughing at man who fell from bicycle 5:18 PM
Emergency work disrupts water supply in St Ann 2:41 PM
Water woes for St Andrew and St Catherine 2:32 PM
Emergency work disrupts water supply in St Ann 2:41 PM
Water woes for St Andrew and St Catherine 2:32 PM
Passenger restrained on flight to Miami arrested 1:50 PM
Samuels century leads Windies fightback 1:18 PM
Bolt clocks pedestrian time to win Ostrava 100m 1:03 PM
Samuels century leads Windies fightback 1:18 PM
Bolt clocks pedestrian time to win Ostrava 100m 1:03 PM
VCB wins in Ostrava 12:55 PM
Churches raising money to fight gay marriage 12:20 PM
Escaped prisoner back in custody 12:06 PM
Churches raising money to fight gay marriage 12:20 PM
Escaped prisoner back in custody 12:06 PM
News
Buju guilty
BY PAUL HENRY Crime/court co-ordinator henryp@jamaicaobserver.com
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
FLORIDA, USA – Reggae star Buju Banton was found guilty on three charges by a 12-member panel of jurors a short while ago at the United States Sam M Gibbons Federal Court here in Tampa.
The artiste was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilogrammes of cocaine, of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offence and using the wires to facilitate a drug-trafficking offence.
However he was found not guilty of attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
The artiste hugged his lawyer David Markus when the verdict was read.
Many of the artiste's supporters left the courtroom crying. He has been detained and has had his bail revoked..
POST A COMMENT
You must first register and then login to be able to post a comment.
HOUSE RULES
1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper – email addresses will not be published.
2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, and before commenting you need to register, conveniently, by clicking the link above.
Pedro Smith
2/23/2011
somebody call immigration! someone's got to take out the garbage. good riddance! hopefully they'll never let him into our country again! stay in jamaica!
2/23/2011
somebody call immigration! someone's got to take out the garbage. good riddance! hopefully they'll never let him into our country again! stay in jamaica!
2/22/2011
2 buju hold d faith u still my no 1 artiste and we will always love u no matter wat d situation remember u told us its not an easy road nd we have been seein it everydy since big up d a teacher ,an activist and real ghetto youth . bless!!!!!
thasheca thompson
2/22/2011
Buju should have never allowed himself to be caught in the white man's trap. He should have known that they would not stop until they trapped him and break him because of the one song Boom Bye Bye that he recorded at the age of only 19. It is unfair how they had him incarcerated for about a year without bail and then he had to spend a lot of money on security fees , not to mention how much he has spent on legal fees and now find him Guilty. The truth will prevail
2/22/2011
Buju should have never allowed himself to be caught in the white man's trap. He should have known that they would not stop until they trapped him and break him because of the one song Boom Bye Bye that he recorded at the age of only 19. It is unfair how they had him incarcerated for about a year without bail and then he had to spend a lot of money on security fees , not to mention how much he has spent on legal fees and now find him Guilty. The truth will prevail
Jaime Clarke
2/22/2011
Boom bye bye!
2/22/2011
Boom bye bye!
Jakan 2011
2/22/2011
BIG berrick yu righted? Buju lives to fight another day. Gargamel will prevail.@ jenn Logmore why don't you just leave our midst and find persons of you rown ilk. See why people don't care to support you people?
This is a case of entrapment that did not entrap him to do the act, yet lok at the outcome
2/22/2011
BIG berrick yu righted? Buju lives to fight another day. Gargamel will prevail.@ jenn Logmore why don't you just leave our midst and find persons of you rown ilk. See why people don't care to support you people?
This is a case of entrapment that did not entrap him to do the act, yet lok at the outcome
Chelsea Grant
2/22/2011
Oh ye people of little faith, let us all still pray &
keep the faith alive. There is still hope, he has not been sentence as yet. Therefore there is still hope for him not to get life or 20 years. Furthermore, please do not stop the praying and fasting because situation like these shows us that this world will come to an end, so instead pray for his protection and guidance during this time. They can lock him up but his spirit is still unchained because our body is just a transport for the soul
2/22/2011
Oh ye people of little faith, let us all still pray &
keep the faith alive. There is still hope, he has not been sentence as yet. Therefore there is still hope for him not to get life or 20 years. Furthermore, please do not stop the praying and fasting because situation like these shows us that this world will come to an end, so instead pray for his protection and guidance during this time. They can lock him up but his spirit is still unchained because our body is just a transport for the soul
Eric Junior
2/22/2011
Lesson to be learnt. KEEP away from COCAINE. If he did the crime he should serve the TIME. No amount of gays could force Buju into the situation. He is a big man, he knew what he was doing. We know...we are just being stupid and blind our eyes to it and playing the BLAME THE GAYS game. Maybe we are still in denial ourselves.
2/22/2011
Lesson to be learnt. KEEP away from COCAINE. If he did the crime he should serve the TIME. No amount of gays could force Buju into the situation. He is a big man, he knew what he was doing. We know...we are just being stupid and blind our eyes to it and playing the BLAME THE GAYS game. Maybe we are still in denial ourselves.
Marsha Downer
2/22/2011
Bwoy Buju, a it dat...Naa lie mi boss me tink you woulda get off. But just to show you people that puss and dawg nuh have the same luck...Look pan some long standing gangs that have trafficked drugs and guns fi years a nuh get ketch. And di one likkle time me singa fren go seek dual careers him get ketch by a tricksta. Bwoy dis experience teach me a lesson. I know your hurting Myrie, but some of us will have to stand up to our due punishments wen we make mistakes. Love u lots. Praying for you!!
2/22/2011
Bwoy Buju, a it dat...Naa lie mi boss me tink you woulda get off. But just to show you people that puss and dawg nuh have the same luck...Look pan some long standing gangs that have trafficked drugs and guns fi years a nuh get ketch. And di one likkle time me singa fren go seek dual careers him get ketch by a tricksta. Bwoy dis experience teach me a lesson. I know your hurting Myrie, but some of us will have to stand up to our due punishments wen we make mistakes. Love u lots. Praying for you!!
ric bent
2/22/2011
Jenn Longmore, not sure where you get the hate thing from; you sound as misguided as the jurors.
Hopefully the judge will see through the insanity of the verdict and either throw out the case or let him off on probation.
2/22/2011
Jenn Longmore, not sure where you get the hate thing from; you sound as misguided as the jurors.
Hopefully the judge will see through the insanity of the verdict and either throw out the case or let him off on probation.
howie J
2/22/2011
Please keep your eyes on every Americans including the smiling ones. They have proven that they cannot be trusted and will get you in trouble.
2/22/2011
Please keep your eyes on every Americans including the smiling ones. They have proven that they cannot be trusted and will get you in trouble.
Elli Deedo
2/22/2011
It was not a Coincidence the Informer was on the Same flight from Europe with BANTON. It is clear that it was a Stitchup. Some one knew BANTON would have perhaps taken a bate. He then hyped too much not knowing this criminal was about to get him entrapped,they then fitted him into a Crime package, tried him under partiality, found him guilty on Chump up Charges. Is this justice? no way! Shame on you America, it's time you show the World a clean picture, stop being a Racist and hateful Nation.
2/22/2011
It was not a Coincidence the Informer was on the Same flight from Europe with BANTON. It is clear that it was a Stitchup. Some one knew BANTON would have perhaps taken a bate. He then hyped too much not knowing this criminal was about to get him entrapped,they then fitted him into a Crime package, tried him under partiality, found him guilty on Chump up Charges. Is this justice? no way! Shame on you America, it's time you show the World a clean picture, stop being a Racist and hateful Nation.
Naverdean Henry
2/22/2011
This is another attempt by the USA to keep trying countries like Jamaica down so that we are always dependent on them If we strive they cant control us so they dont want us to strive. BUT GOD WILL ACQUIT AND WHEN HE DOES NO MAN CAN CONDEMN
2/22/2011
This is another attempt by the USA to keep trying countries like Jamaica down so that we are always dependent on them If we strive they cant control us so they dont want us to strive. BUT GOD WILL ACQUIT AND WHEN HE DOES NO MAN CAN CONDEMN
Esmore Gillings
2/22/2011
You know I think those three telephone calls that came to light inthis trial that were made on the day of the arrest was his undoing. My heart aches, my tummy hurts and I'm just weak, but can I do....NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO Buju.
2/22/2011
You know I think those three telephone calls that came to light inthis trial that were made on the day of the arrest was his undoing. My heart aches, my tummy hurts and I'm just weak, but can I do....NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO Buju.
howie J
2/22/2011
One year of surveillance and tens of thousands of U.S. dollar spent and not a single ounce of drugs was removed from the streets and yet an innocent man’s life is on the life line. One source puts the illegal drugs industry in the U.S at over 100 billion and yet time and effort were used to entrap a man with no known drug connection.
May the evil that they use to destroy this man’s life return to them and their children ten folds and may their days be filled with miseries.
2/22/2011
One year of surveillance and tens of thousands of U.S. dollar spent and not a single ounce of drugs was removed from the streets and yet an innocent man’s life is on the life line. One source puts the illegal drugs industry in the U.S at over 100 billion and yet time and effort were used to entrap a man with no known drug connection.
May the evil that they use to destroy this man’s life return to them and their children ten folds and may their days be filled with miseries.
Proud Jcan Princess
2/22/2011
@ jenn longmore... You are truly a heartless person. This is the reason so many people are dead or turn to crime becuase of the hatred in hearts like yours, not Buju. If you cannot see the suspciousness behind how this all took place, you are the ignorant an hateful one, not him. He made a trerrible mistake and have to deal with the consequences. My prayers are with you Mr. Banton and your family. Blessings
2/22/2011
@ jenn longmore... You are truly a heartless person. This is the reason so many people are dead or turn to crime becuase of the hatred in hearts like yours, not Buju. If you cannot see the suspciousness behind how this all took place, you are the ignorant an hateful one, not him. He made a trerrible mistake and have to deal with the consequences. My prayers are with you Mr. Banton and your family. Blessings
jenn longmore
2/22/2011
@pete delisser if you don't get it then i can point to a million who do get it. was he.. bluffing... when he incited many to rain bullets and gunshots on gays head ? since the case ran the gamut from anti gay conspiracy to god knows what else i don't see any other conclusion that 'he made his bed and now it's prickly and he must sleep in it'.
2/22/2011
@pete delisser if you don't get it then i can point to a million who do get it. was he.. bluffing... when he incited many to rain bullets and gunshots on gays head ? since the case ran the gamut from anti gay conspiracy to god knows what else i don't see any other conclusion that 'he made his bed and now it's prickly and he must sleep in it'.
Elli Deedo
2/22/2011
This is a deliberate conspiracy to Jail Buju for whatever reason. Then again he seems to have hyped himself too much, and with this unfair trial it all help's to land him in Jail. Although he is entitled to appeal I don't see how much that will bring. It is truly a very sad time, and my heart goe's out to him and his Family. Perhaps something can be done to reduce his time in Jail. Another Black man is falsely found guilty by the Negrophobic Society, and will be incarcerated in their Slave camp.
2/22/2011
This is a deliberate conspiracy to Jail Buju for whatever reason. Then again he seems to have hyped himself too much, and with this unfair trial it all help's to land him in Jail. Although he is entitled to appeal I don't see how much that will bring. It is truly a very sad time, and my heart goe's out to him and his Family. Perhaps something can be done to reduce his time in Jail. Another Black man is falsely found guilty by the Negrophobic Society, and will be incarcerated in their Slave camp.
Dam Will
2/22/2011
ok Buju we know ur not as innocent as u want us to believe but u are not as guilty as they have made u to be. Freedom is mans greatest gift take it back. Ur music will forever influence my life.
2/22/2011
ok Buju we know ur not as innocent as u want us to believe but u are not as guilty as they have made u to be. Freedom is mans greatest gift take it back. Ur music will forever influence my life.
Trevor Harris
2/22/2011
That's the good old US for you.If they want you, they'll get you eventually.Buju was trapped,I think he was rather naive to get caught up in something like this.My only hope is that other people will learn from his mistake . When one is caught in a sting it's very difficult to escape .I guike the judge will be lenient if there is no sentencing guideline to which he must adhere.
2/22/2011
That's the good old US for you.If they want you, they'll get you eventually.Buju was trapped,I think he was rather naive to get caught up in something like this.My only hope is that other people will learn from his mistake . When one is caught in a sting it's very difficult to escape .I guike the judge will be lenient if there is no sentencing guideline to which he must adhere.
BIG berrick
2/22/2011
He should of took the plea deal they offered him for 2 yrs in prison. He would have already done a yr and change & have only a few more months left. Plus he would have saved tons of $$$$ by not having to facilitate/ finance his lawyer for another case.
2/22/2011
He should of took the plea deal they offered him for 2 yrs in prison. He would have already done a yr and change & have only a few more months left. Plus he would have saved tons of $$$$ by not having to facilitate/ finance his lawyer for another case.
Chris Harriott
2/22/2011
It's a sad day in history a very sad day indeed.
2/22/2011
It's a sad day in history a very sad day indeed.
Brian Allen
2/22/2011
I wonder how much the wiretap MOUs play a role here - I find it hard to believe that it was coincidence that a US agent just happen to be on the same flight from Europe as Buju - sat next to him - and then start up a conversation on drugs without prior intelligence - down to Buju seat number on the plain. We all know by now the gay community whisper in Obama ears and he can't afford to lose their support/votes.
2/22/2011
I wonder how much the wiretap MOUs play a role here - I find it hard to believe that it was coincidence that a US agent just happen to be on the same flight from Europe as Buju - sat next to him - and then start up a conversation on drugs without prior intelligence - down to Buju seat number on the plain. We all know by now the gay community whisper in Obama ears and he can't afford to lose their support/votes.
jenn longmore
2/22/2011
he was found guilty! locking him up and throwing away the key would give him sufficient time to find his peace and rid himself of the hate that consumes him. th his supporters who cried, they would do well to consider the many innocents who suffered becasue of the vile words he uttered in ignorance and hate. as for the charges, GUILTY ...as charged !
2/22/2011
he was found guilty! locking him up and throwing away the key would give him sufficient time to find his peace and rid himself of the hate that consumes him. th his supporters who cried, they would do well to consider the many innocents who suffered becasue of the vile words he uttered in ignorance and hate. as for the charges, GUILTY ...as charged !
Island Patriot
2/22/2011
Kinda knew when the asked for the gun, that they'd probably made up their minds about the other counts. The video tape of him tasting the cocaine and the recorded conversations was his undoing. Well, he is in my prayers. Unfortunately when it comes to justice American style, it's hard to get off charges when not only oral testimony, but video and audio recordings of you committing the crime is available.
2/22/2011
Kinda knew when the asked for the gun, that they'd probably made up their minds about the other counts. The video tape of him tasting the cocaine and the recorded conversations was his undoing. Well, he is in my prayers. Unfortunately when it comes to justice American style, it's hard to get off charges when not only oral testimony, but video and audio recordings of you committing the crime is available.
R Oaches
2/22/2011
@ pete delisser .... ah hear yu boss. Yuh have lots of questions and I'm pretty sure you already know the answers. Answers that many "road scholars" in JA already know and what many of us would rather not be so. However, it is what it is. I can understand the guilty verdict for the other 2 charges, but not the guilty charge for the gun.
Shucks !!! .... , jus as de man win Grammy too.
2/22/2011
@ pete delisser .... ah hear yu boss. Yuh have lots of questions and I'm pretty sure you already know the answers. Answers that many "road scholars" in JA already know and what many of us would rather not be so. However, it is what it is. I can understand the guilty verdict for the other 2 charges, but not the guilty charge for the gun.
Shucks !!! .... , jus as de man win Grammy too.
Brian Allen
2/22/2011
I wonder how much the wiretap MOUs pay a role here - I find it hard to believe that it was coincidence that a US agent just happen to be on the same flight from Europe as Buju - sat next to him - and then start up a conversation on drugs without prior intelligence - down to Buju seat number on the plain. We all know by now the gay community whisper in Obama ears.
2/22/2011
I wonder how much the wiretap MOUs pay a role here - I find it hard to believe that it was coincidence that a US agent just happen to be on the same flight from Europe as Buju - sat next to him - and then start up a conversation on drugs without prior intelligence - down to Buju seat number on the plain. We all know by now the gay community whisper in Obama ears.
C. Brown
2/22/2011
Bwoy it dutty, real sad, mi heart full a tears. I kept checking every ten minutes for the verdict, but jah know mi neva expect this...Mi caan even do any more work...
2/22/2011
Bwoy it dutty, real sad, mi heart full a tears. I kept checking every ten minutes for the verdict, but jah know mi neva expect this...Mi caan even do any more work...
Reo Warner
2/22/2011
Sad Sad Sad day for music lovers plus the family of Buju Banton............................Guidance with you ma brother in this time of trouble.....JAH
2/22/2011
Sad Sad Sad day for music lovers plus the family of Buju Banton............................Guidance with you ma brother in this time of trouble.....JAH
Kay Wilson
2/22/2011
Buju, I am sorry. Your music will still be an inspiration to me.
“I know but one freedom and that is the freedom of the mind.”
(French Pilot, Writer and Author of 'The Little Prince', 1900-1944)
Keep Your Dreams Alive!
2/22/2011
Buju, I am sorry. Your music will still be an inspiration to me.
“I know but one freedom and that is the freedom of the mind.”
(French Pilot, Writer and Author of 'The Little Prince', 1900-1944)
Keep Your Dreams Alive!
Yard Vibz
2/22/2011
People, mi seh,"Merika ah nuh place fi play wid." When dem seh, yuh nuh fi drink & drive, ah dat dem mean. Ah wonda if Dudus have any minutes on his blackberry. Selassie knew that it would not have been an easy road...Ann G, mi feel yuh pain, my girl!
2/22/2011
People, mi seh,"Merika ah nuh place fi play wid." When dem seh, yuh nuh fi drink & drive, ah dat dem mean. Ah wonda if Dudus have any minutes on his blackberry. Selassie knew that it would not have been an easy road...Ann G, mi feel yuh pain, my girl!
N Manley Blythe
2/22/2011
Sad, sad, sad, sad, sad, sad, sad.........
2/22/2011
Sad, sad, sad, sad, sad, sad, sad.........
Verna Kitson
2/22/2011
ouch! nuff a hol' dem belly an a bawl. Why? Nothing in his life affects yours. I do not understand.
2/22/2011
ouch! nuff a hol' dem belly an a bawl. Why? Nothing in his life affects yours. I do not understand.
Tony Slim
2/22/2011
Their is no anti gay conspiracy. Buju should have know the consequences. The Judge MAY go easy on him.
2/22/2011
Their is no anti gay conspiracy. Buju should have know the consequences. The Judge MAY go easy on him.
jefferine stubbs
2/22/2011
They would not stop till them get him bwoy.All who laugh last laugh best.may the wretches rot in hell!
2/22/2011
They would not stop till them get him bwoy.All who laugh last laugh best.may the wretches rot in hell!
Joan Johnson
2/22/2011
sad day indeed!
2/22/2011
sad day indeed!
Tony Slim
2/22/2011
You can beat all the drums you want and pray all you want. TO ALL THE YOUTH IN THE GAME... There is no life in the drug game. You are wasting your time. It may seem nice initially but it all comes to an END. Anything you buy with the money will never last. YOU ARE WASTING YOUR TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Invest in your education.
2/22/2011
You can beat all the drums you want and pray all you want. TO ALL THE YOUTH IN THE GAME... There is no life in the drug game. You are wasting your time. It may seem nice initially but it all comes to an END. Anything you buy with the money will never last. YOU ARE WASTING YOUR TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Invest in your education.
Alberto Alba
2/22/2011
What can I say...this hurts deeply. I am a huge fan of Buju. Anyway, old time people always seh...if yoh play wid fire, yoh likely fi get burn. Buju, be strong...until...
2/22/2011
What can I say...this hurts deeply. I am a huge fan of Buju. Anyway, old time people always seh...if yoh play wid fire, yoh likely fi get burn. Buju, be strong...until...
pete delisser
2/22/2011
I dunno what else to say. The conspiracy (anti gay) theories didnt make sense either. The case itself was strange, but what I found even stranger, why would Buju allow himself to be set up in this illegal sting, if he had nothing or no history at all dealiing with the stuff (which he claimed)? Ive never used this stuff, how in hell could someone approach me & lure me into trading it...& then my defense is, Im bluffing?? Thats the part I didnt get. And if I was a Juror, I wud say guilty also...
2/22/2011
I dunno what else to say. The conspiracy (anti gay) theories didnt make sense either. The case itself was strange, but what I found even stranger, why would Buju allow himself to be set up in this illegal sting, if he had nothing or no history at all dealiing with the stuff (which he claimed)? Ive never used this stuff, how in hell could someone approach me & lure me into trading it...& then my defense is, Im bluffing?? Thats the part I didnt get. And if I was a Juror, I wud say guilty also...
Chief IsWrite
2/22/2011
buju it rough
2/22/2011
buju it rough
Jay Brown
2/22/2011
The man get shafted Iyah !!
They really made sure they got him.
2/22/2011
The man get shafted Iyah !!
They really made sure they got him.
Other Stories
Jamaica can't afford a stimulus budget — Phillips
7 comments
23.4b Tax grab - Gov't targets extra revenue
7 comments
Canada pumps $62m into Ja’s polygraph programme
0 comments
7 comments
Vendor says GCT reduction not enough
0 comments
Tax measures the death knell for tourism — Cummings
5 comments
Teen killed for laughing at man who fell from bicycle
0 comments
Shaw says taxes will hit small businesses
2 comments
Tax measures pose tougher environment for businesses
0 comments
CDA: We are working on implementing places of safety recommendations
0 comments
Suitcase death accused couple remanded again
0 comments
PEPPER POT: The strangest bedfellows
0 comments
KPH staff do free Labour Day surgeries
0 comments
0 comments
Man gets 30 days for oral sex beating
0 comments
Air passengers willing to pay US$10 enviro tax, study says
0 comments
VIDEO: 'Busy Signal' waives right to extradition hearing
0 comments
0 comments
Emergency work disrupts water supply in St Ann
0 comments
Water woes for St Andrew and St Catherine
0 comments
RSS Feeds
