Buju Banton - File
After being locked away in a US jail for ten months, reggae artiste Buju Banton was finally offered bail yesterday, making his friends, well-wishers and fans extremely happy.
Yesterday, United States judge Anthony Porcelli offered bail to the artiste, whose real name is Mark Myrie.
However, bail was granted at US$250,000 (J$21,375,000) and under strict conditions. Porcelli also ordered that Banton be placed under 24-hour surveillance, the cost being incurred by the defence and it will also have to be approved by the court. He will also have to wear an electronic monitor and undergo drug testing. He will also have to receive an immigration bond to prevent deportation, as his US visa had been revoked.
Despite the conditions of bail, Banton's close friend, Spragga Benz is ready and raring to go see the artiste who has been incarcerated since December last year.
"I am feeling elated. Mi feel good. A lot of the prayers were answered. Give thanks to the Most High for showing that he still listens to our prayers. Mi just glad seh it a work out. Thanks to those who support him throughout," he said.
While pleased that he was offered bail, Banton's former mentor Donovan Germain was far from blown over by the conditions under which it was granted.
"I am happy that he is given the opportunity for bail even though the conditions are a bit ridiculous to me," he said.
stipulations
He added that he hopes some of the stipulations are removed when Banton's lawyer goes back to court on the matter.
Like Germain and Spragga Benz, popular entertainment figure and executive vice-president of 21st-Hapilos, Johnny Wonder, said he is extremely pleased that Banton was offered bail.
"Me and everyone at 21st-Hapilos & Hapilos International are excited for Buju that he was offered bail. We are waiting patiently on what the outcome will be. Hopefully, he will be exonerated of these alleged charges and be allowed to go back to family and children and return to making the music we all know and love. Bless up Gargamel," he told THE WEEKEND STAR.
When contacted, Banton's lead attorney, David Markus said the bail offer was "a positive development", even though he did not indicate whether Banton would be able to meet all the conditions.
Marc Seitles, another member of Banton's legal team, said the entertainer would "essentially be under house arrest" if he is able to satisfy the bail conditions. He said that this means the artiste would only be able to leave his Florida home to buy medications, attend court-ordered hearings or for meetings with his attorneys.
On October 6, the judge heard arguments from the US prosecution as well as Buju's lawyers and reserved his judgement.
Banton's lawyer had filed the motion for a bail hearing on September 27, after federal judge, James Moody declared a mistrial in the drug case against Buju. The ruling was made after the 12-member jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision in the case.
The judge says a new trial is to be held in December on a date to be announced.
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