Latest update March 31st, 2025 6:44 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Guyana should set revised guidelines on jail sentences

Aug 14, 2013 Letters

Dear Editor,
The matter of jail sentences is a current international topic, and to my mind, Guyana should take note and set in motion
revised guidelines on jail sentences.
Your edition of today August 13, 2013 contains three cases in which the sentences seem a bit harsh. My guarded comment
is that I am not questioning the Court’s authority, but merely  expressing my feelings.
One case was that of the stolen Blackberry for which an 18 months imprisonment was given. The theft was by a first timer who appears to
be a simpleton as her subsequent behaviour in being lured to meet someone who was tracking the phone showed her naivety in using
such a phone. She did plead for forgiveness and mercy only to be met with an 18 months imprisonment. She obviously could not afford
a lawyer and was without representation, a very important fact.
The next case was the vagrant who broke into a car and stole a purse but got away with nothing as he was caught red-handed. He got 2 years
despite his pleadings of being a vagrant and hungry. Maybe 2 years at the Mazaruni Prison camp might be good for free housing, and some farming
activity might be suitable for a vagrant, society would like to banish.
Still perhaps a bit harsh.
The third case is of the individual who allowed a search of his home by the police without a warrant. They reported that they found cannabis
in a bag in his sink. He got 12 months and is still on another charge for some miniscule cocaine  allegedly also found in his home.
Police searches and findings are well known eventualities which leave little to the imagination given their preponderant theatrical representations.
My sympathy goes to this individual as it was not established that whatever he possessed was for other than personal use. Is a man’s home not his castle?
I would think so!
Did he suspect that his willingness to allow a search without a warrant would put him in jail? Probably not.
And what about the money found in his home?
The amount was not stated, but was it seized as well?
Some guidelines in sentencing appear needed for as the three referenced case show that apart from societal considerations, other matters should be taken into
account, as for example, does the case require such heavy sentences? Are convicted persons given time rebates for pre-sentencings time spent
in jail?
Are convicted persons given time rebates for good behaviour while imprisoned? Given the crowded jails, should first timers on apparent petty offences be sent to jail?
What was the conduct of the convicted person like? Cooperative? Belligerent? Aggressive? Imploring? Was the accused represented?  Why does the Guyana Court not allow ‘pro bono’ lawyers to help persons who appear without counsel? (Here in Ontario we call them Duty Counsel, and they are paid by the Court for cases they handle)
Should cases brought to the Court without proper search warrants on any home be accepted especially when the police are engaged in raids without reliable information?
Should there not be some referral to Social Services for a report on the convicted person before sentence is passed?
Finally does the Police Chief ever publish any annual or other reports on:
….number of raids carried out
… amount of money seized in raids
…number of cases brought to the Courts
… number of convictions from such raids.
A matter of accountability I would think, but perhaps not desirable!
Carl  Veecock

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| March, 28th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

 

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Fantastic Wharton snipes haul-trick in 11-0 win

Fantastic Wharton snipes haul-trick in 11-0 win

Mar 31, 2025

-as Santa Rosa finish atop of Group ‘B’ Kaieteur Sports- Five thrilling matches concluded the third-round stage of the 2025 Milo/Massy Boys’ Under-18 Football Tournament yesterday at the...
Read More
Back Circle bests Gold is Money to retain crown

Back Circle bests Gold is Money to retain crown

Mar 31, 2025

DCC continues winning ways thanks to Imlach masterclass

DCC continues winning ways thanks to Imlach...

Mar 31, 2025

All-round Headquarters retain title in dominant fashion

All-round Headquarters retain title in dominant...

Mar 31, 2025

Yarrowkabra smashes four in Tutorial, as Dolphin, Waramuri Sec’ remain unbeaten

Yarrowkabra smashes four in Tutorial, as Dolphin,...

Mar 30, 2025

Ramesh Chattergoon smacks 110* in ESCL T20, Over-40

Ramesh Chattergoon smacks 110* in ESCL T20,...

Mar 30, 2025

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]