THE sentencing yesterday of Grammy-winning Jamaican reggae artiste Buju Banton to 10 years' imprisonment in a US court was the hot topic for discussion in homes, businesses and in public spaces across the island. Observer reporters Tanesha Mundle and Horace Hines spoke with people from the Corporate Area and Montego Bay St James. (Photos: Tanesha Mundle and Horace Hines)
(L-R) Shatasha White, Joelle Delisser, Kerrian Dixon and Machuel Prince,
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Corporate Area
Shatasha White student
I think it was an unfair sentence because they don't have any real proof that he was a cocaine dealer.
Joelle Delisser student
I think the sentence is fair because they have sufficient evidence to prove that he was there dealing in drugs... if it was anybody else they would have got more time.
Kerrian Dixon sales clerk
I think it was unfair. They could have given him a smaller sentence like three years.
Orane Smith production system operator
I think it was unfair because to me the whole issue with the gays is behind the reason he was arrested for drugs; so to me, he was destined to go to jail.
Saski Lee statistical officer
I think it was fair and his lawyer did a really good job to have the gun charge thrown out and in ensuring that he didn't get the maximum 15 years sentence.
Joel Scott barber
I don't think it was a fair sentence because he was not guilty. He was set up by the United States.
Machuel Prince, o/c Blackdice artiste
Of course the sentence is unfair. If he was in Jamaica he wouldn't get that but I think America is just trying to blight the artiste's career.
Roy Maithland vendor
No, him no get a fair sentence. Him lawyer nuh defend him good. Buju should have used a Jamaican lawyer like KD Knight.
Garfield Dillion bus conductor
I think it was a fair sentence because it is 10 years and not 15. But for an entertainer he should not have gotten himself mixed up in drugs.
MoBay
Shavi-G upcoming Westmoreland deejay
As an upcoming artiste, I am extremely disappointed with having to miss the Banton for the next 10 years. He is such an inspiration to me and I will continue to be motivated by his music. The music fraternity is plunged into mourning by the incarceration of this talented musician.
Junior Roots -- lead singer of the Las Vegas-based reggae band Bonafide
To lose such a great artiste like Buju out of the music for 10 years is a big blow to Jamaica and Jamaican music. I remain hopeful that he will be released soon. Bonafide wishes the best for his family.
DJ Camran
I will continue as a selector to play Buju's songs all over the world, but when we reach we reach we reach
certain levels and realise we are role models we have to be cautious about the steps we take.
As such, I was disappointed, not that he was caught doing it, but the fact that he was doing it.