分类： society

In a landmark verdict, Levon Julien, a 35-year-old man who spent 14 years awaiting trial, was acquitted of two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. The jury delivered an eight-to-one not-guilty verdict on October 18 at the O’Meara Judicial Centre in Arima, presided over by Justice Kathy Ann Waterman-Latchoo. The charges stemmed from allegations that Julien engaged in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl at two locations in December 2011 and January 2012. The prosecution, led by state counsel Shervone Noriega and Samantha Marajh, claimed the incidents occurred at a neighbor’s home and later at Julien’s residence in Las Alturas, Morvant. However, the neighbor was never called as a witness. Julien’s defense attorneys, Jerry Boyer and Robert Doodnath, challenged the alleged victim’s credibility during cross-examination, prompting her to admit that the December 2011 incident never occurred. Additionally, the investigating officer acknowledged that her probe was ‘less than thorough.’ After more than three hours of deliberation, the jury cleared Julien of both charges. Justice Waterman-Latchoo ordered his immediate release, ending a 14-year ordeal that left Julien struggling to find employment and living under public suspicion. Julien expressed relief, stating that the verdict restores his freedom and reputation.

The Banking, Insurance and General Workers’ Union (BIGWU) has strongly criticized the government’s National Recruitment Drive, labeling it a severe breach of trust. The union alleges that the drive includes positions already occupied by current employees, causing significant distress among workers. In a media statement issued on October 24, the final day of the drive’s first phase, BIGWU President Don Devenish demanded the immediate withdrawal of such advertisements. The union described the situation as a ‘gross lapse in industrial and human resource practice,’ urging the government to issue a public apology and take corrective measures to prevent recurrence. BIGWU emphasized that advertising filled positions undermines job security and breaches employment contracts, potentially amounting to constructive dismissal. The union highlighted the psychological and economic toll on affected employees, who face anxiety, humiliation, and fear of unemployment. BIGWU warned that such actions could lead to legal consequences, including claims for damages. The government defended the drive, stating it aims to fill 20,000 critical vacancies across 25 ministries, modernize the workforce, and improve public services. However, BIGWU stressed that workers’ dignity and rights must not be compromised by administrative errors.

A 34-year-old laborer from Brasso Village in Central Trinidad, Clevon ‘Skinny Man’ Alexander, has been formally charged with multiple serious offenses, including the murders of two fellow villagers. The charges stem from a violent shooting incident on October 15 that left two others injured. The tragic event occurred in an unfinished wooden structure along Caparo Brasso Valley Road, where gunmen opened fire, striking all four individuals inside. Christopher ‘Ricky’ Joseph, 20, died at the scene, while Darius Shadrack, a 16-year-old student from Tabaquite Secondary School, succumbed to his injuries two days later at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Centre in Mt Hope. Alexander is also accused of wounding Joseph’s brother, Colly Joseph, 23, and Jerryl Ganness, 15, as well as illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The investigation, led by Supt Persad, ASP Maharaj, and Sgt Bridgemohan from the Homicide Bureau of Investigation, Region Three, culminated in charges being filed after consultation with acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Sabrina Dougdeen-Jaglal, on October 23. Authorities allege that Alexander acted in concert with others during the commission of these crimes. The case remains under active investigation.

In a significant legal outcome, a 22-year-old man was acquitted of all charges, including attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and malicious damage, following a retrial at the O’Meara Judicial Centre on October 6. The verdict was delivered by a nine-member jury after a thorough examination of the case, which originated from an alleged incident on July 9, 2023, near Zumba’s Bar on San Francique Road, Penal. The accused, whose identity remains undisclosed to protect the privacy of those involved, was arrested on February 17, 2024, at his workplace. The retrial, presided over by Justice Sherene Murray-Bailey, began on September 10. The prosecution claimed that the accused physically assaulted a woman after a night out, resulting in multiple injuries, and damaged her cellphone. However, the defence argued that the accused had responded to a distress call from the woman and was subsequently attacked by two men accompanying her. Throughout the trial, inconsistencies in the victim’s testimony were highlighted, and the defence questioned the lack of corroborative evidence, such as CCTV footage or independent witness statements. The jury ultimately found the accused not guilty of all charges. The case was represented by Counsel Collin Elbourne and Janeil Chuck of the Public Defenders’ Department, while prosecutors Chenelle Moe and Roger Hinds appeared for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. This case also highlighted the effectiveness of the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act (AJIPA), as the proceedings concluded within 20 months of the accused’s arrest.