Traffic Court Convictions Issued by Basseterre Magistrate’s Court – July 28th and 31st, 2025

The Basseterre Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Her Honour Yasmine Clarke and His Honour Reynold Benjamin, addressed a series of traffic-related offences during sessions held on Monday, July 28th, and Thursday, July 31st, 2025. The outcomes of these proceedings underscore the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and highlight the consequences of non-compliance, ranging from fines and imprisonment to cautions. A significant number of cases were also resolved through the Vehicle Registration System (VRS), demonstrating the efficiency of this system in processing traffic ticket payments.

The July 28th session saw several individuals convicted on multiple charges. Shabadoah Yahmekin of St. Peters pleaded guilty to a string of offences, including driving without due care and attention, driving without insurance, driving without a valid license, driving an unlicensed vehicle, and failing to stop after an accident. The penalties imposed included fines ranging from $500 to $800, with alternative prison sentences of one month for each offence except failing to stop after an accident, for which Yahmekin received a caution. Micah John of Conaree also pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and driving under the influence of alcohol, incurring fines of $800 and $1,000 respectively. Clevaughn Bassue of Sandy Point was fined $500 for driving without a valid license, while Daren Lawrence of Basseterre received a caution for failing to stop his engine before exiting his vehicle.

The morning session of July 31st saw Verenaldo Rawlins of St. Peters plead not guilty to driving without due care and attention but was subsequently convicted and fined $750. Orville Chumney of Basseterre, also pleading not guilty to the same charge, was convicted and cautioned. The afternoon session brought further convictions, with Ahmad Nicholls of Taylors pleading guilty to driving without due care and attention, driving without insurance, driving an unlicensed vehicle, and driving an unregistered vehicle. Nicholls received fines of $800 for each of the first three offences and a caution for the fourth. Pablo Wilson of Cayon and Vaughn Osborne of Conaree pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and driving with one lighted headlamp, respectively. Wilson received a fine of $800, while Osborne was fined $150.

Beyond the individual cases, the court proceedings highlighted a significant volume of resolved traffic tickets. A total of 77 cases were withdrawn after individuals presented proof of payment through the Vehicle Registration System (VRS), indicating the effectiveness of the system in facilitating timely payment and avoiding court appearances. This demonstrates the benefit of utilizing the VRS for efficient processing of traffic violations. An additional 69 matters were adjourned to later dates, extending into November 2025, suggesting ongoing efforts by the Traffic Department to address outstanding traffic offences.

The Traffic Department emphasized the importance of adhering to the stipulated 10-day payment period for ticketed offences. This timeframe allows individuals to settle their fines promptly and avoid the potential for further legal action, including court summons, increased fines, or imprisonment. The VRS offers a streamlined method for settling these fines, further encouraging timely payment. By adhering to the 10-day window, motorists can avoid the added costs and inconvenience associated with court appearances, while contributing to a smoother and more efficient traffic enforcement process.

The Traffic Department’s communication regarding these court proceedings serves as a public reminder of the importance of responsible driving practices and adherence to traffic laws. The range of offences addressed, from driving without due care and attention and driving under the influence to administrative infractions such as driving without a valid license or insurance, underscores the breadth of regulations in place to ensure road safety. The varying penalties imposed, including fines, cautions, and imprisonment, further emphasize the seriousness with which these offences are treated and the potential consequences of non-compliance. The Department’s commitment to promoting road safety is evident in its efforts to enforce these regulations and encourage timely payment of fines through the VRS. This multifaceted approach seeks to foster a culture of responsible driving and enhance the overall safety of the nation’s roads.