Buju Banton unable to enter T&T legally – Security Minister to grant exemption

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – National Security Minister Stuart Young says he is prepared to give Buju Banton an exemption to enter the twin island republic as the entertainer’s criminal record does not give him legal access to the country.

Buju Banton, whose real name is Mark Marie is scheduled to perform in a concert here on Sunday, April 21.

Young was asked about the issue at a post-Cabinet news conference on Thursday.

“Buju Banton falls foul of our immigration laws in T&T,” Young said.

He told reporters that he has asked the organizers of the concert to make an application to the Ministry of National Security and quickly added that he is prepared to respond favorably.

“I am willing to give the application for the concert to go on.”

Buju Banton, was held by US Drug Enforcement Administration agents in December 2009 in Miami, where the U.S. Attorney charged him with conspiracy to distribute and possession of more than five kilograms of cocaine.

On 22 February 2011, he was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense and using communication wires to facilitate a drug-trafficking offense.

He was released from prison on December 7, 2018.

His “I Am Legend” concert is scheduled to at the Queen’s Park Savannah.