ttgapers.com

Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton was granted bail in the sum of US$250,000 today in Tampa, Florida. The bail for Banton, real name Mark Myrie came with some strict conditions. Although Buju's supporters will cheer for the decision to grant bail, Banton will have to receive an immigration bond to prevent deportation. The US authorities, however, would want to keep Buju in the US to face his new trial in December 2010.

As part of Banton's bail condition, he will have to wear a monitoring device and will be subject to house arrest and 24 hour security, to be paid for by the defence. He can only leave his house for meetings with his attorney and for doctors’ appointments and to purchase medication. He will also be subjected to drug testing.

On October 6, Judge Anthony Porcelli heard arguments from the US prosecution as well as Buju’s lawyers and reserved his judgement. Buju’s lawyer had filed the motion for a bail hearing on September 27, after federal judge, James Moody declared a mistrial in the drug case against Buju.Banton’s entertainment visa was revoked when he was arrested last December.