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‘Buju’ warns T&T

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.