Buju

International dancehall star Buju Banton remains in custody today after a bail hearing planned for yesterday was put on hold.

Buju, dressed in prisoner's garb, appeared in court in Miami, Florida, yesterday but his attorney, Herbert E. Walker III, did not apply for bail as expected.

"We decided instead to transfer the case to Tampa because that is where it will be tried," Walker told The Gleaner yesterday. "You get only one chance at a bond hearing and it was decided to do it in Tampa where the trial will take place, instead of in Miami."

He said no date has yet been set for the bail hearing but he expects that a date will be announced shortly after the papers are filed in the Tampa court.

Minimal talk

Buju did not speak in court except to reply, "Yes, sir," to the judge's questions.

Court observers told The Gleaner that, like the other inmates in the courthouse, about 10, Buju wore a beige jail jumpsuit over a white T-shirt, with his dreadlocks tied up and his hands shackled in front of him.

Chief Magistrate in the Southern District of Florida, William C. Turnoff, issued a temporary order of detention for the 36-year-old singer.

Buju has been in custody for more than a week since being arrested by agents from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.

He is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.

Yesterday, Walker scoffed at reports in the local media that the offence should not carry a federal charge.

Walker told The Gleaner that, based on the nature of the allegations and the quantity of cocaine involved, Buju, whose correct name is Mark Myrie, and his two co-accused would face federal charges.

The attorney has vowed to work night and day to clear his client, who has said he is "absolutely innocent of each of the allegations that the (United States) government has made".

arthur.hall@gleanerjm.com