Traffic Court Convictions at Basseterre Magistrate’s Court

The Basseterre Magistrate Court, presided over by Her Honour Yasmine Clarke and Her Honour Sherry-Ann Liburd Charles, addressed a series of traffic-related offenses during hearings held on May 12 and May 15, 2025. These cases underscore the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and highlight the potential consequences of non-compliance, ranging from financial penalties to imprisonment. The court’s rulings served as a reminder to motorists of their responsibility to maintain road safety within the jurisdiction of St. Kitts and Nevis.

On May 12, 2025, the court addressed two distinct cases. Ganraj Persuad of New Road was found guilty of driving without due care and attention, a charge that speaks to negligent driving practices. The court imposed a fine of $1,500.00, granting Persuad three months to make the payment. Failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe would result in a three-month prison sentence. In a separate case, Onzel Tyrell pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed vehicle. For this offense, Tyrell received a fine of $250.00, with a payment deadline of three weeks. Failure to remit the fine within this period would lead to a 14-day imprisonment.

The court reconvened on May 15, 2025, to address a further slate of traffic violations. Hilton Julius of Old Road pleaded guilty to three counts of driving without due care and attention. The court imposed a more substantial fine of $2,000.00, given the multiple offenses, with a one-month deadline for payment. Failure to comply would result in a 30-day prison sentence. Melissa Stevens of Molyneux also pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, receiving a fine of $750.00 payable within one month. Similar to Julius, non-payment within the specified timeframe would result in a 14-day prison sentence.

Dwayne Warner of Mansion Extension faced the same charge of driving without due care and attention, and the court found him guilty. He was fined $1,500.00, with a payment deadline of one month, failing which he would face 30 days of imprisonment. The case of Janae Thompson of Old Road highlighted the responsibility of vehicle owners for the actions of those they permit to drive their vehicles. Thompson pleaded guilty to allowing another individual to operate her vehicle without insurance, for which she received a caution. She also pleaded guilty to permitting another to drive without a valid license, resulting in a fine of $400.00, payable by June 13, 2025. Failure to meet this deadline would result in a 14-day prison sentence.

The case of Blessed Ogbum of Bird Rock presented a more complex series of violations. Ogbum pleaded guilty to driving without a valid license, driving without insurance, exceeding the speed limit, and driving with darkly tinted windscreen and windows. The court imposed individual fines for each of the first three offenses: $1,000.00 payable by June 30, 2025, for driving without a license; $750.00 payable by July 31, 2025, for driving without insurance; and $450.00 payable by May 30, 2025, for exceeding the speed limit. Failure to pay any of these fines within the respective deadlines would result in a 14-day prison sentence for each offense. For the darkly tinted windscreen and windows, Ogbum received a caution. This case exemplifies the cumulative penalties that can accrue from multiple traffic violations.

The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, through its Traffic Department, demonstrated its commitment to upholding road safety through its diligent work in these cases. The range of offenses addressed by the court underscores the importance of responsible driving practices. The Force emphasized the need for all motorists to exercise caution and adhere to all traffic regulations to maintain the safety and well-being of all road users. The outcomes of these cases serve as a deterrent and a public reminder of the legal repercussions associated with traffic violations in St. Kitts and Nevis. The consistent application of fines and potential imprisonment for non-compliance aims to encourage responsible driving behavior and contribute to a safer road environment for everyone.