Minister Confirms ‘Buju Banton’ Can Perform
Minister of National Security Wayne Michael Caines has confirmed that permission has been granted for Mark ‘Buju Banton’ Myrie to visit and perform in Bermuda.
Minister of National Security Wayne Michael Caines Statement
A Government spokesperson said, “The Minister of National Security the Hon. Wayne Michael Caines, JP, MP, has announced that he has used his sole discretion and authority as the Minster responsible for Immigration to grant approval for the musical artist, Mark Anthony Myrie popularly known as Buju Banton, to visit and perform in Bermuda.
“Notwithstanding Mr. Myrie’s incarceration, Minister Caines said he is also keenly aware of the sensitivities regarding some of Mr. Myrie’s music from decades ago. However his most controversial songs, including “Boom Bye Bye”, have been removed from his catalogue of music and will not be performed going forward.”
“Minister Caines believes that the social positives of Mr. Myrie’s upcoming visit outweigh the negatives.”
Minister Caines said, “As the Minister of National Security, which includes responsibility for Police, Customs, Corrections, Fire and Immigration, I am keenly aware of the challenges that result from the misuse of drugs. As it relates to Mr. Myrie’s particular situation he has served his mandated period of incarceration, and has publicly said that he wishes to use his personal experience of incarceration as a way to uplift, motivate and help others. In fact, in March this year he stated: ‘I only want to be associated with my craft. Having survived, I want to share the good news and strength of my music. I just want to continue making music, which I’ve devoted my life to. I look forward to the opportunity to say a personal thanks to my fans and everyone who supported me.’
“Our Ministry supports any type of personal, rehabilitation, redemption and social commitment, particularly as we ourselves engage with at risk young people on a regular basis.”
“Minister Caines understands that since December 2018, Mr. Myrie has been granted permission to enter and perform in Trinidad, Grenada, Guyana, the British Virgin Islands, St. Kitts, Amsterdam, Belgium, Bahamas, Surinam, France and Germany.”
Minister Caines concluded, “Due to Mr. Myrie’s conviction and imprisonment in excess of two years, he must receive permission from the minister responsible for immigration to be allowed to perform in Bermuda. Ultimately, we believe that if given the opportunity to perform in Bermuda, Mr. Myrie’s performance will have an exceedingly positive effect on our community. One only needs to look at the successful Long Walk to Freedom Concert in Jamaica where he performed in front of 30,000 people at the Jamaica National Stadium. Through his music, he used that occasion to share a socially responsible message, a message of cultural relevance and a message that sought to uplift and unite the people. I believe that Buju Banton is a musical, social and cultural icon whose message of unity, redemption and love make his immigration circumstances rare and exceptional.”
“I have reviewed all aspects of the matter and as a result of the special circumstances articulated above, I have granted Mr. Mark ‘Buju Banton’ Myrie permission to enter Bermuda. In the words of the late Dennis Brown, ‘Love and hate can never be friends’.”
MHB Consultants Statement
A spokesperson said, “Buju Banton, the man, the myth, the legend will be in Bermuda on August 17, 2019. He will perform at the National Stadium and the organizers of the event, dubbed ‘Unity Festival Bermuda,’ are preparing for an unprecedented gathering for a concert event in Bermuda. Securing this event for Bermuda has sent shockwaves throughout the local community as well as put Buju’s millions of fans living on the Eastern seaboard of the United States on notice. Tickets for this event will go on sale via www.ptix.bm on June 1, 2019, and the organizers anticipate a strong response.
“Mr. Mark Myrie, better known as Buju Banton, is a legend in the Caribbean. He is a figure whose influence on Reggae music and culture has seen him draw comparisons to the iconic Bob Marley. Recently, Mark Myrie has completed a seven year sentence at a federal prison in Georgia, USA. The excitement surrounding his release was tangible throughout the Caribbean, with fans simply ravenous to see Buju Banton perform again. His first stop on the universally acclaimed ‘Long Road to Freedom’ tour was the National Stadium in Jamaica, where an estimated 40,000 fans gathered to see him for the first time in almost a decade. This was a decidedly auspicious start to Mr. Myrie’s effort to rebuild his career, his life, and his legacy. It’s been a long, hard road for Buju; a journey he defined perfectly when he gave the world the marvelous ‘It’s Not an Easy Road’ off the simply classic ‘Til Shiloh’ album.
“Buju Banton has performed in Bermuda several times in the past, with protests and backlash coming from the local LGBTQ community in the 90s when one of his 1992 hits raised concerns about its chorus, which took hyperbole to an unacceptable level in its treatment of homosexual men. Since his release from prison, however, Mr. Myrie has removed the controversial song from his catalogue, taken it off of all digital streaming services he could control, and vowed to never perform the piece again.
“The organizers of Unity Festival Bermuda are presenting this event as an opportunity for all of Bermuda’s estranged communities to put down their articles of discord and come together in peace, love, and unity. We are calling for island wide harmony for this event, and we hope that our patrons come in the spirit of inclusion and love that Buju has made his new mantra. Violence, hatred, vengeance, and trauma have thrived in our small island for far too long; it’s time to close the wounds of the past and allow healing to happen.
“With this in mind, the organizers of Unity Festival Bermuda have opened a dialogue with OUTBermuda in hopes that redemption for the trespasses of the past is possible within these shores. The dialogue will be ongoing and positive in essence.
“Bermuda has always enjoyed a forgiving culture. Life is a long journey with many pitfalls along the way. Mr. Myrie has lived his pitfalls in as public a way as possible. He has been persecuted and punished for his mistakes. Now he is making an attempt to bless the world with his gift once again. We should all embrace this most human of acts.”
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Thanks titty milk, your moral platitude shines as always.
Our people have suffered at the hands of those in society that portrayed moral platitude for 400 years, as you call founding fathers and those whom carried on their lagacies.
Regardless of their barbaric deeds, you dedicated portraits, holidays and built statutes of them.
But its accepted in our society to embrace the social conditioning of the past autrocities whom some benefit until today.
Get over it already and let other groups of people have a turn.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
The OBA went sleep on the LGBT as well and they will sleep on this topic also. ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Did they find anymore surrogates yet?LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
Don’t disagree, they were wrong on this particular issue too. The difference is, I don’t see this a team sport, it’s about doing the morally right thing. Both OBA and PLP were willfully ignorant on this issue.
The OBA held a vote about it, and the voters stayed at home. So don’t suddenly pretend the PLP have any moral authority on this. It’s the PLP that makes us look like a laughing stock. You could maybe learn a lesson from what Buju Banton has said about the subject, if you can be bothered to read it.
Wow OJ, big words for such a small brain.
Youve had your turn for almost 20 years now oj and all u lot have done is cock things up. Prove me wrong…….. ill wait
Nothing but WHITEWASH from people like you.
To be fair, 20 years of failure.
So I guess it was 400 years of moral platitude you feel proud of.
Where all these statues you speak of?
Onion Juice you and I are on the same page… These were my first thoughts… Moral platitude?..lol I wouldn’t expect any dumber of a statement from Wahoo..
Also the titty milk joke is played out now..give it a rest. No one cares anymore please…stop beating a dead
Horse
You seem to care….and tell your buddy OJ to stop likening current day events to his impression of history.
Our current events occur because of History, but I know its shameful for some people to be reminded of the past atrocities.
It will never play out. And it’s not a joke, not funny. That’s kind of the point numpty.
I think ‘jetgate’ is getting a bit old too
Every politician is defined by something–sometimes its just humorous and playful.
This Minister brought the title to himself!
Titty Milk will stick!
“Also the titty milk joke is played out now.”
It’s only played out for those of YOU who are embarrassed by it.
Kinda like jetgate huh?
Trust this the OBA/UBP will not say or do anything. The same way they left the LGBT community when they had the votes to change the law. They didn’t care ………and it’simple as that.
If I recall correctly Jetgate Craig doesn’t support them either.
Come on make a response opposition party!!!!
I love this bit “Bermuda has always enjoyed a forgiving culture”. Except to their own. How many Bermudians have been hit with a criminal record for possession of a minuscule amount of weed and suffered the consequences? Help the foreigner but hit the locals. Nothing changes.
The PLP could change that but won’t.
So where was your outcry when hundreds of young Black Bermudians were being racially profiled during the 70′ and 80′s which is why we have criminal records, while our white peers (who were smoking just as much weed or more) were riding through untouched.
But now you are concerned.
Lay down and enjoy de concert.
LMAO
“….. which is why we have criminal records, ”
Hey moron, you have a criminal record, because you’re a criminal…like your granny who got pepper sprayed…learn to behave and you won’t get smacked!
If you can’t think of (or know) any white ppl who did time for herb offenses you’ve got selective amnesia . Keep on trying to re-write history .. lmao
I guess you purposely over looked RACIAL PROFILING when most Black Bermudians were stopped and searched which led to criminal records, how many white guys were stopped and searched during the 70′s and 80′s?
Tic Toc
“I guess you purposely over looked RACIAL PROFILING…”
Correcting OJ is a full time job.
You have a criminal record??? Then surely you should be at the head of the list for potential Pee El Pee MPs.
“….. which is why we have criminal records, ”
Hey moron, you have a criminal record, because you’re a criminal…like your granny who got pepper sprayed…learn to behave and you won’t get smacked!
Yeah, I had a chuckle at that particular piece of the bollocks.
Might as well let Irritated genie come bavk too.
Of course you would advocate for a man that wishes death upon others. Of course you would.
You can go back to your Country anytime don’t wait for the ink to dry on your status paper.
And you just proved my point.
You sound like Trump.
And you do talk bollocks.
What are you talking about. The weed laws have changed for being caught with a minimal amount..stop living under a rock and take your oba/ubp blinders off!
But yet these pedophiles and murderers are being let out after 5 years in prison? Whoever is complaining about Buju coming here needs to look at what’s happening on this island we’re no better than the next country. Buju did his time let the man be. I’d rather him than these child molesters around here
Maybe Titty Milk can fly out permanently when BuBu leaves? Wouldn’t miss him one bit.
Just like I don’t miss voting for the oba UBPEEEE lol.
Now go suck on some breast milk UBP. Can’t believe I trusted you with all the surrogate switching LOLOL
Ha thank you minister
I think Minister TM actually exercised his discretion appropriately in this case.
I wonder, therefore, given the acknowledgment of the concerns of the LGBTQ community, and the artist’s public apology, the PLP will cease it’s quest to outlaw SSM?
Hopefully, he will also take some time to speak to the youth of Bermuda and encourage them that drugs are not the way to go in life!
Absolutely!
Unless the drugs are legal and fully endorsed by society, then it is the way to go in life, people are making big loot and garner major respect, legally. Don’t concern yourself with the fact that legal drugs kill far more than illegal drugs, nothing to worry about.
As the Minister of National Security, which includes responsibility for Police
Titty Milk has NO say in the Police,ask the Real Boss.
There is nobody else to have other than a convicted felon?
Never heard of him
You sound like the person who hasn’t heard of Bob Marley..
People can change their minds over time and Banton has apparently said he now completely disavowed his previous nasty opinions on LBGT people.
Perhaps Caines and his government could learn something from Mr Banton.
look buju banton did his time so what’s the frenzy about? it is like you want to continue crucifying the man . no leave him alone he is free man now and owes no one any apology.
I don’t think anyone is, are they?
***k you, you homophobic *****
The controversy is really nothing at all to do with his incarceration. But you would have to actually read the article above to know that. It’s a lot of work, I know.
Irie….
I think it would be interesting to know who it was that advised the minister against this and what their reasons were . And also why the minister did not heed the advice.
Typical Bermuda, welcoming and embracing homophobia.
Go have your pink tea party somewhere else bra…
“Go have your pink tea party somewhere else bra…”
That’s the best you could do? LOL bra
I take it Mr.Caines and Rev.Bean have spoken with all gang members and a truce will be called for this. They gonna all want to show up to see Buju and things will explode. This event will have to be watched carefully by Police. If you think I’m wrong then watch this space.
How much are tickets for Boo Boo anyway??
Bring on Buju!! The Barbados show was wicked and I am looking forward to seeing him back here in BDA—anybody know where the show will take place?
Buju!! Buju!! Buju!! I would argue that this will be the single biggest show this Island has ever seen.
Nothing could be bigger than when Ewart used government funds to bring in Beyouncee!
Bigger than Beyoncé? Wash your filthy mouth out?
You wait and see what happens at this event! Nothing but gang bangers and pot smokers! Bermuda does not need this type of entertainment or this entertainer in particular! I can smell the Ganja smoke cloud now! Shameful and pitiful that Bermuda has to resort to this!
So you believe in censorship?
Excellent.
HHmm… the law made BELONGERS( athletes from elsewhere…foreigners) welcome here…the LAW also put in place SAME SEX MARRIAGE… get over it, especially the disapprovers!!
Pure hatred and nonsense.
When one calls “THEM” out on discriminatory behaviour/
practices, “THEY” always say: No we are not.
Liars!!!!
You’re too stupid to be bothered with.
Your hatred for Bermuda is noted