Myron Velox, a 32-year-old resident of Redemption Sharpes who embarked on a life of crime since he was a little boy, told the Court last week that ‘jumbie was on him’, and that he could not get work.
Velox’s explanation came at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court during a conversation with Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett, before being sentenced to 12 months in prison for burglary.
Velox had pleaded guilty to entering the Department of Health in Kingstown as a trespasser, and stealing seven boxes of Christmas lights valued EC$70, one pair of red, white and blue sneakers valued EC$50, one pair light blue and white sneakers value EC$50, and one white Digital thermometer value EC$50 total EC$220, the property of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
He also stole one bottle of coffee creamer value EC$15, one bottle of Maxwell House Coffee value EC$20, one case of Coco Cola value $EC68, three Hairoun soft drinks value EC$9, two Vita Malts value EC$10, one white Samsung charger and white micro USH cord valued EC$38, the total value EC$160.50, the property of Yolande May of Pembroke.
The offence was committed between December 8 and 9, 2021.
“When you out of jail what do you do? Based on your record, you appear to be more inside than outside?” the Magistrate asked the defendant.
“They have a woman above me put jumbie on me. She done tell me so.”
When the Magistrate asked him why, he said that he and the woman’s daughter had a disagreement.”My Lord, you feel I coming back before you?” Velox asked.
“You asking me if I feel you coming back before me? The answer is yes.” the Magistrate responded and asked further, “What year did she put jumbie on you?”
Velox replied, “Say between 2015 and 2016.”
At this point the Magistrate reminded him that based on his record he had committing crime since he was a little boy, and had 40 previous convictions many for offences of dishonesty.
“As soon as you are out, you are back in,” Burnett remarked.
“If you claim a woman put ‘jumbie on you’, when you come out the jumbie will still be on you. You are better off inside, Myron, you are better off inside,” Burnette reasoned.
When the Magistrate drew to the defendant’s attention that the stolen items were not recovered, Velox informed the court that somebody stole the stolen items from him.
The incident had occurred sometime between 12 midnight and 2am.
“At that time you should have been sleeping. Look at what you chose to do,” Burnett said.
“When you are a free man you commit crime,”, the Magistrate observed.
“If I have a work I will not do these things,” Velox responded.
Burnett again reminded him that he had 40 convictions recorded, and had gone to prison on several occasions for offences of a similar nature.
“Is the system you know,” Velox told the Magistrate, adding that “not all (convictions) is mine”, seemingly blaming the system for convicting him for offences he did not commit.
“How much of these (convictions) belong to you?” Burnett asked.
“Couple well,” Velox replied.
“Give me a figure,” the Magistrate requested.
“About twenty something,” Velox claimed.
Burnett noted that Velox’s conviction sheet not only included offences of theft and burglary, but also assault and damage to property.
“I am taking everything into account. I am not too sure you can be rehabilitated,” the Magistrate contended, adding that the system had tried everything. He noted that in the past Burnett was fined, bonded, given suspended sentences, and even strokes with the cane.
“I can’t get work, no work, so whey fo do? I ha fo eat, I ha fo drink, I ha fo wear clothes,” Velox pleaded.But the Magistrate told him, “I am going to give you a period to reflect.”
Burnett then handed down the 12-month prison sentence.
The term will run consecutively to a nine-month sentence Velox was already serving for a similar offence. It means that Velox would be eligible for release after serving a total of 21 months behind bars.
Source : The Vincentian