标签： Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

In a tragic incident that shook the Collins community in 2020, Jareth Jamala John, a 25-year-old man, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the manslaughter of his 94-year-old grandfather, Murrington Alston John. The crime, committed during a psychotic episode, has left the family divided in their perceptions of the defendant. During the sentencing hearing at the High Court in Kingstown, Justice Rickie Burnett referenced a social inquiry report that revealed starkly contrasting accounts of Jareth from his mother, Ivy John, and his unnamed brother. Ivy described her son as loving and helpful, emphasizing his close bond with his grandfather. She attributed his violent outburst to mental health issues exacerbated by marijuana use, which began at age 13. In contrast, Jareth’s brother painted a darker picture, alleging that the defendant had a history of violent behavior that instilled fear in the household. The brother claimed he had repeatedly urged their mother to seek mental health evaluations for Jareth, but she refused. The court also noted that Ivy had pre-existing mental health challenges. Jareth’s mental health reports indicated that his marijuana addiction, which he vowed never to quit, played a significant role in triggering his psychotic episodes. Despite his guilty plea and a reduced sentence due to diminished responsibility, the case highlights the devastating consequences of untreated mental illness and substance abuse.

In a significant stride toward enhancing food security and agricultural education, the Zero Hunger Trust Fund (ZHTF), supported by the General Employees Cooperative Credit Union (GECCU), has inaugurated a new agricultural science programme at St. Martin’s Secondary School (SMSS) in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). This initiative aligns with the nation’s broader mission to foster sustainable food production and inspire youth engagement in agriculture.

In a significant development, Esworth Lewis, the pharmacist accused of attempted murder following a shooting incident in Calder, was granted bail on Thursday. This decision came despite the victim, Omarie Pereira of Biabou, remaining in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH). Lewis had initially been denied bail during his first court appearance on Monday at the Serious Offences Court. However, Chief Magistrate Colin John reconsidered the decision after reviewing the evidence presented by the investigating officer, Corporal Kevron Jack. Jack testified that he had visited Pereira on Thursday morning and confirmed that while the victim was still in the ICU, he was no longer dependent on life support and was breathing independently. Based on this update, the prosecution, led by Inspector Renrick Cato, withdrew its objection to Lewis’ bail. The court set bail at EC$30,000 with one surety and imposed reporting conditions. The case has been adjourned to October 30. Lewis is alleged to have shot Pereira twice in Calder on October 10, leading to the attempted murder charge.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Trevor ‘Buju’ Bailey has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in schools across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Speaking to iWitness News, Bailey highlighted the urgent need for young people to adopt de-escalation strategies, noting that impulsive behavior often leads to severe consequences. He revealed that a significant portion of these incidents involve young girls, though boys are also culpable. Bailey’s remarks followed a recent stabbing at North Union Secondary School, where a 15-year-old student was critically injured by a 16-year-old classmate. The incident underscores the growing problem of school violence, with reports emerging almost weekly. Bailey emphasized the importance of early intervention, urging parents, counselors, and community institutions to play a proactive role in guiding students. He stressed that addressing behavioral issues before they escalate into serious offenses is crucial for rehabilitation, rather than relying solely on punitive measures. Bailey called for a collective effort to transform troubled youth into model citizens, advocating for counseling and support over punishment.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Trevor ‘Buju’ Bailey, a key figure in crime prevention, emphasized the importance of exercising heightened care when dealing with individuals suffering from mental illness. His testimony came during the trial of Christopher ‘Too Cool Chris’ Jones, a prominent DJ and radio personality, who is facing charges of wounding in connection with the shooting of Kevin Patterson in Kingstown on July 4, 2024. Jones claims he acted in self-defense, alleging that Patterson was reaching for a weapon in his bag, which was later found to contain a knife and a box cutter. However, the prosecution argues that Jones’ actions were malicious and did not constitute self-defense. Bailey, summoned by the defense, shared insights into police protocols when interacting with mentally ill individuals. He noted that police recruits are trained by the Ministry of Health on how to handle such situations, and workshops are regularly conducted for frontline officers. Bailey stressed the need for calm communication and assured assistance when dealing with mentally ill persons, acknowledging that reasoning may not always be possible due to incoherence. He also discussed the use of licensed firearms, stating that their primary purpose is protection and crime prevention, and that any use of a firearm in such situations would be subject to investigation. The trial, presided over by Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie, is set for a verdict on December 10, with the possibility of an earlier decision.