The “Seaweed Project” was given a helping hand today when a young man was ordered to complete 160 hours to help remove the marine vegetable matter which has been washing up on local beaches.
Kadeem Ramon Brathwaite, 23, had just pleaded guilty before Magistrate Douglas Frederick, to having a small quantity of marijuana on Wednesday. He appeared in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecuting the case, acting Station Sergeant Neville Watson said that police found the ganja when they executed
a search warrant at Brathwaite’s home yesterday.
After the facts were read, Brathwaite wanted to know: “So I gine got to pay a fine for the five-bag I get hold wid?” Magistrate Frederick informed him that there were several options, before asking the first-time offender: “So do you prefer a fine?”
When Brathwaite replied in the affirmative, the Magistrate responded: “But I prefer that you stop. What are you going to do about it?” “I could stop . . . but I get hold with it red-handed; There ain’t nothing I could do ‘bout it yesterday,” Brathwaite said.
The magistrate then told Brathwaite he had “some work for him” to do.
The young man subsequently agreed to perform the 160 hours of community service, recommended by the probation officer.
Magistrate Frederick also explained to Brathwaite that if he performs the community service well, his criminal record will remain unblemished. He returns to court on September 4.