IT was the buzz of the Bs this past week for Nation online readers.
No not the Bees from the political hive. This time, it’s Jamaican reggae artist Buju Banton and the Oscar-nominated movie Black Swan that caused the stinging responses and views posted by readers.
When news broke that the jury had found Mark Buju Myrie guilty of three cocaine-related charges, many commented on the outcome of the case. Some agreed with the decision, others did not.
Lady Jay wrote: “You will shine again.”
Annie Codrington: “Hope this makes you stronger and better. Lessons learned, I hope, and new songs to write while you serve your time.”
Irma Hodge: “He has been already tried. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. We are all going to have to answer to the higher power. Just pray for him.”
Erin Patrice simply wrote: “Get back to your roots, Buju.”
The contentious movie Black Swan, which was originally banned from local movies theatres by the Barbados Film Censorship Board, but later given a Restricted rating, also got our readers riled up. This rating, according to the Films Act, states that “the board considers that viewing of the film should be restricted to persons 18 years and older because it contains strong language, nudity, sexual situations or violence”.
Many lambasted the board for banning the movie and when the R rating was issued late last week, many commented on the new decision.
Patrick Sobers simply said: “Commonsense has prevailed.”
Stacy wrote: “This decision I could live with. Hopefully the five or six members of the committee that wanted to restrict the Barbadian public from watching something that is readily available to anyone, now understand that they can’t make drastic decisions for the people for something that was so minor.
“We as humans have to be given the chance to make our own decisions, and watching a film cannot alter how we think. A person will do what they want, when they want and however they so choose to. Barbadians still need to wake up, but this is a start.”
June Lawrence: “I just checked the rating here in the United States and it is the R. Bim could have done that and saved all of the hollering and screaming.”
From today, NATION online readers may also follow comprehensive reports, including updates, pictures and video from the 2011 Pine Hill National Primary Schools’ Athletic Championships at the National Stadium.
Sports journalist Sherrylyn A. Toppin will be there to bring all the action to NATIONNews.com.
Carol Martindale is the NATION’s Online Editor.
