Joseph Lewis, Gleaner Writer

( L - R ) Beenie man, Burke

Dancehall artiste Moses Davis, more popularly known as Beenie Man, and veteran politician Paul Burke, were among several delinquent taxpayers who were summoned to the Kingston tax court yesterday to answer charges brought against them and their companies.

Davis, who was smartly dressed in a white shirt with black vest, brown pants and black shoes, was the centre of attention in the courtroom.

Davis was in court on tax evasion charges. It is alleged that he owes the Government more than $47 million in back taxes. He is to return to court on April 29, when the case will be tried.

Burke, who allegedly owes the Government more than $10 million for non-payment of GCT, education tax and PAYE, is to return to court on April 21.

A militant mood

Resident Magistrate Owen Parkin was in a militant mood as he advised persons to make every effort to have their outstanding taxes settled. He also emphasised that they should follow up on the progress of their payments so as not to have false information when they reappeared in court.

Many of the delinquent taxpayers explained to the judge that they had made arrangements for the payments to be made but could not produce proper documentation.