Danny Paul of Tarish Pit has been slapped with a two-month custodial sentence for a vagrancy offence after he pleaded guilty at the Roseau Magistrate’s Court.
According to the Prosecution, Sergeant Innocent Toussaint, on December 10th 2013, Paul was seen by a security officer within the closed premises of AC Shillingford and Company on High Street.
The Security officer then proceeded to make a complaint to the Dominica Police Force Traffic Department and Paul was arrested and charged.
He pleaded guilty and in his defense said he was only looking for a box to store some coconuts which he had in Newtown
When questioned by the arresting officer for a reason for being in the enclosed area, he was quoted as saying, “Officer, Loubiere I come out by my girlfriend,” and further stated that he was just collecting a box to store some coconuts.
He also mentioned that the Haitian security officer did not understand what he was trying to explain to him.
Magistrate Candia Carette-George said because he plead guilty and did not waste the court’s time, she was giving him a two-month custodial sentence.
Paul is known for other offenses including theft and vehicle tampering.
It appears from this article the man was sentenced to two months for entering the closed area of a company, not for “vagrancy”. In Canada this would be called “trespassing”.
Vagrancy has become a big problem especially during tourist season.
Vagrancy seldom stands alone. We need to look at the causes of vagrancy and attack them one by one.
Unemployment.
Homelessness.
Alcohol.
Drugs.
Mental illness.
Bible believing gospel preaching churches have much offer in this matter. Some are doing heir part. Others are not.
In The USA and Canada some cities have what are called “rescues missions.” These are not regular churches but buildings where a gospel service is conducted most evenings. They are supported by churches and caring individuals with pastors and Christian businessmen in charge..
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At most meals are served. Evening services have lively singing, testimonies of changed lives, and short gospel messages about God’s love, explaining how to be “born again” (become a Christian).
PACIFIC GARDEN MISSION in Chicago is only one of these many ministries. They have been very successful. PGM has published two hard cover books. Each chapter is the personal testimony of a man or woman whose life was completely changed by the ministry of the mission. They were alcoholics, drug addict, thieves and many other derelicts who came in off the street and met Christ in a PGM service
Years ago I visited Pacific Garden Mission. The work is large. It is all it claims to be. I ate a meal with people who had literally experienced the truth of 2 Corinthians 5:17
When I was there the Mission had begun to provide practical medical and health care in their own clinics and thy were thriving
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
I dont understand how these people get jail time for minor things and drug dealers and killers are roaming the streets? is this justice? I might be wrong hmmm.
Hope the judge recommends him for the Yes we Care program. People like that need help too.
I remember him, that man was always a trouble maker.
This is not his first offence. His presence was suspicious. What if the police did not notice him? What would he have done on the premises? Steal?
Not his first offence? When will they learn a lesson? He is another one who should be rehabilitated. Two months incarceration is not enough.
And you mean that making news? He should be given 6 months probation, not jail time.
“Paul is known for other offenses including theft and vehicle tampering”.
What would you have done if you caught him in your home?
Why do these people get custodial sentences for such petty crimes. Why doesn’t the government review the sentences to see what the real cost is to the country in having to house these people for matters that don’t amount to anything.
Are you without sense? Did you not read that this was not his first offence?
Anyone found within the confines, closed walls of a business is grounds for suspicion. What would they be doing there in the first place? What would be the excuse if they have no business there? This man was suspect and also trespassed. Jail him for some months especially if it is not his first offence.
I endorse rehabilitation for them. While in prison he should go through a rehabilitation process so that when released he may become a law-abiding national and live a fruitful life. This is what is required of people.
Need I further state that this is what God expects of each national? They have an obligation to fulfill to God, to their country and to their countrymen/women. He is one of them who are wasting their life and trampling on his redemption.
The Law should not be lenient with them for they pose a worst hazard and when they are released. You should know a leopard does not change its color overnight. They need help to be able to do so.
Wow!!!