Pubdate: Thu, 25 Dec 2003
Source: Trinidad Guardian, The
Copyright: 2003 The Trinidad Guardian.
Contact:  http://www.guardian.co.tt/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2982
Author: M Codogan

KEVON COULD HAVE SAID 'NO'

Allow me to advance a few points to the great uncle and mother of
Kevon Stewart, a student of Arima Senior Comprehensive School, who was
sentenced to six months in prison for the possession of marijuana.

Kevon was fully aware that he was given marijuana to give to someone
else. He had the option to say no or report the matter to the
principal. He chose neither. He knew what he was doing was wrong.

It is a very flimsy and baseless excuse to say that he (Kevon) was
afraid of the bullies in school.

The magistrate is under no legal obligation to inform his mother. It
may be done by the police or the magistrate as a matter of courtesy.
Kevon is an adult (18 years old) and a probation report is only
necessary for a juvenile offender.

The magistrate is within the law to sentence him summarily for the
offence, taking into consideration the high rate of crime committed by
young adults and the apparent lawlessness in the said school.

Finally, a word to all parents - when your child is wrong, he or she
is wrong!

M Codogan

Diego Martin
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin