The Editor, Sir:

I am hereby responding to the story in The Gleaner on December 14 'Buju faces court today - 'Rasta Got Woes' over cocaine charge in US'. Based on what I have read, it appears as though the whole thing was a set-up to stop this man's music from being played worldwide.

If he is in fact dealing drugs, why contact a complete stranger to do this? And it even appears strange that he actually goes to the venue where the dealing is taking place. It just seems more probable to me that he would send one of the men in his entourage. Also, why didn't he show up on the final day when the deal was about to go down? Did he change his mind?

Most likely recipient

The other thing that looks suspicious is the timing. Buju Banton was just nominated for a Grammy and it appears to me that he is the most likely recipient; much to the distaste of the gay alliance community. This is evidenced by the fact that many of his venues got cancelled while on his Rasta Got Soul 2009 tour, in an effort to stop his music from being played internationally.

I am of the opinion that his songs have been contrary to the values of some of the most powerful people in society today. He is a champion for the cause of the poor and the oppressed and he engenders the values of the Jamaican people in his music.

While he has some lyrics which appear to be violent, I would say these songs are in the minority and would represent only two to four per cent of his recordings, and is reflective of a teenager without proper guidance. As his faith in God grew and he became more focused, his music reminded us of all that is good in reggae music.

Let us now join together as a people and support a good reggae artiste and call for the release of Buju Banton.

I am, etc.,

Kareen Hewitt

Ontario, Canada