The Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal now meeting in Dominica, has expressed concern about the number of people appearing before it with drug-related mental disorders and who are not being treated.
The court made that observation on Wednesday, the day that it dismissed an appeal by Roland Evans against a two year jail sentence for wounding his uncle.
Evans was arrested in October 2012 and at the time, the court requested a psychiatric report to determine his fitness to plea. The report indicated that he was suffering from “Induced Psychosis” as a result of ‘heavy substance abuse.’ Another report revealed that he had “paranoid illusions” and he was again not required to plea. However, a third finding by another doctor, proclaimed Evans fit to plea. When the charge of wounding was read, he pleaded guilty and was jailed for 2 years.
Sherma Dyrample, from the office of the DPP, told the court that she had no files. However, she did indicate that the offence carried a maximum of five years in jail and Evans was given two years for an attack that was “unprovoked”.
In analyzing the evidence, Justice of Appeal, Don Mitchell, expressed concern about Evans’ “horrific” action in chopping his uncle several times and questioned the decision to jail him as “a first time offender.” “Was he mentally responsible for his actions?”, the judge asked.
However, the court opined that the magistrate did try his “very best given the circumstances” and while a probation order could have been made, Evans needed to be treated while serving his prison term and so, they dismissed his appeal and ordered that he undergo treatment while incarcerated.
The Court frowned on what it considers to be an untenable situation where offenders suffering from drug-related mental disorders are not being treated and questioned “if that was how Dominica was operating”. Justice of Appeal Don Mitchell in particular, seemed “unimpressed” with that situation and said this was of concern to him and in violation of human rights standards.
Meantime, Erickson Sampson, who stole a computer at Ross University and in the process used a stick to injure an individual, had his 5 year jail sentence varied. He had been given two and three year sentences to run consecutively. However, the appeals court reduced his two year sentence to 18 months to run concurrently with his 3 year sentence.
The court also lamented the fact that the staff of the DPP did not have files for most of the matters. They were admonished and asked to come better prepared next time.
DNO understands that Evelina Baptiste, whose appointment to the post of DPP was announced recently, has not been appearing before the Court of Appeal because she had not received her instrument of appointment when the court began its sitting on Monday.
Didn’t somebody say that the paro issue will be dealt with before the tourist season opens. Well come to the Bay Front and see for yourself
Red Cap drinkers you too need rehab, anything that alters the mine is a DRUG !
State palace more important than drug rehab and there is nothing you can do about it.
They love their PM!
is the a Rehab center within Dominican… just asking?????
Editor, The ECSE is the Securities Exchange. The court is the ECSC The Supreme Court.
Bang, top of the news, putting crap above people that’s what this government is all about
That’s exactly what I am referring to. Yet we have a young PM that has no clue of what is priority, since he knows, come election time he can give those drug / mental disorder guys a $50.00 note to vote for him. In fact Skerrit does not have far to go to see need of young people since in his home village of Vielle-case is loaded with them. Yet, he sees a $30 Million State palace as priority while people’s general health as well as their mental state of mind is justed with sweet political promises.
This is what happens when we dont set our priorities right in this country. I am happy an outsider made this observation. Why neglect the needs of a country and go after wants at whatever cost?? Shame! Shame! Shame!
It is high time that the Government get the people treated before getting them back into society. We difinitely need drug rehab so we don’t have repeat offenders coasting tax payers an arm and a leg to keep the prison running.
One only has to observe the many ‘paros’ that roam Roseau on a daily basis. There is a lot of undiagnosed mental health illness in Dominica. I see a pressure cooker about to explode if this is not put into place. I speak on this as having a professional background in mental health.