Cannabis Charged Dropped Against Moniz
[Updated] A 19 year old appeared in Magistrates Court this morning [Jan 2], where he had cannabis charges against him dismissed after the Crown offered no evidence.
On December 31, Thomas Moniz, the son of a Cabinet Minister, pleaded not guilty to cannabis possession and being in possession of a drug grinder. Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo released him on $2,000 bail with one surety, and he reappeared this morning.
After the Crown offered no evidence this morning, Senior Magistrate Archie Warner dismissed the charges against the 19 year old.
Update 6.56pm: Attorney-General Mark Pettingill has commented on this case. He acknowledged the dismissal of charges against Thomas Moniz, the son of the Minister of Health and Environment Trevor Moniz, and said the ruling of the Magistrate “falls well within normal guidelines for a police caution.” The AG’s full statement can be read here.
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Articles that link to this one:
- AG Comments On Moniz Cannabis Court Case | Bernews.com | January 2, 2014
- Wilson: “Curious” That AG Commented On Case | Bernews.com | January 5, 2014
Suprise surprise! No one saw this coming.
Where can I join to be in the OBA party? Who’s sister got off for allegedly drunk driving?
if you are talking about the Premier’s sister she got charged with that DUI
Charged that’s nothing, she was still able to drive her car.
she plead guilty, was fined$1500 but was allowed to keep driving. SMH.
Would he get a free pass to travel like de Tourism Minister?
And there was no law that said she had to be disqualified from driving; a number of people got off with just fines for DUI for the exact same reason.
This does seem like something is not RIGHT or based upon the law of Equality.
I hope that this same consideration would be given to all our young people, for far too long many of our young black males ( I say black as that who has been impacted by this law) does change. I only seeking Equal Rights and Justice for ALL.
This is because many of our young people have been unable to pursue their goals due to this law, and have been marked for life because of such a law. This is unfortunate that others walk clean, while others now are marked. Hopefully, they too will be given a second chance.
Lacks hope that Law will be changed so that all have Equal opportunities in Jobs and Education. Just unfortunate that UBPoba now are willing to look at the Law as it impacts one of their own. Especially when a Minister is so critical of some folks in our community, as the door slams him in the face now.
“for far too long many of our young black males ( I say black as that who has been impacted by this law) does change.”
YOU ARE REALLY AND TRULY BLINDED AND DUMB!!
so considering marijuana is illegal for EVERYONE OF ALL RACES, whites or anyone else have never been affected?! STFU Betty you truly are stupid.
The data indicates that black males have been far impacted by this law than their white male counterparts. Facts are Facts…that all…
Do some further research and see how black males are treated by the Criminal justice system vs their white male counterparts. It is interesting reading, as well as research studies provide evidence of such.
Maybe because the majority of this island is black betty. get it now?! truly dumb
Sounds like you not willing to base your argument upon Real data to support your point. What’s wrong if data indicates the FACTS? Why do you find that so hard to swallow, or accept.
The number of blacks males vs white in Bermuda, is not a simple method of evaluation in regards to this matter, to suggest that is the reason. There are several other intervening variables that impact the outcome. Only seeking truth, and FACTS to base this debate upon…we all should do that !!
Betty, this poster will never get what you are saying, but many do.
LMAO I get exactly what betty is saying but most of the time Betty doesn’t give truths, just his/her opinion which he/she regards as truth and you lot soak up as truth lol.
It’s called the law of large numbers…………..
LOL
@ u ank sers,
I see your angle, but you do understand that what you are saying doesn’t prove your point right?
It kinda does see the law of large number states (I’m paraphasing) that the larger the number of things present that will readly react with one another the more reactions will occur. Ganted in the US I am fully with you on the system being slanted in one dirrection, here not so much…….
LOL
@u ank sers
I totally disagree. If the Island were majority white I’m convinced that black males would still show a majority bias in the criminal justice system. This has been the status quo in Bermuda since before I was born. Methinks that the same folks who would like Betty and others like her to ‘STFU’ are the same ones who would have no problem if the discrimination continued…
What about those folks that don’t want Betty and others like her to “STFU”, they just want them to start posting things that are true and not insanely partisan, false and completely ridiculous propaganda?
What about those folks? Do they support discrimination, too?
Based on the past comments seen on Bermnew Betty and others who share her mind set really have no problem with discrimination either. You know as long as it’s someone else……….
LOL
Well that’s you’re opinion and I respectfully disagree. This whole “mindset” is what is still setting us back. As far as um concerned we’re all ASSUMING because none of us no the facts with what really happened in this case, so hopefully hte DPP or whoever can release a statement. Discrimination is wrong period regardless of who it comes from, race, etc whatever!
Majority of U.S.A. is white any excuse for that
There is none the US was born in descrimination. Things aren’t as bad anymore but it’s still bad with fairly large pockets of BS that need to die off and a law system that sees blacks as a social problem. Bermuda is hardly the US………….
LOL
I wish people would support themselves here. why did you dislike what I said? Was it what I said about the US or do you believe that Bermuda is like the US?
yes Betty you do need to “LOOK at the NUMBERS” What is the population of black male to white male ratio.The higher the percentage difference the more skewed will be the arrest numbers by simple maths. DON’T Play the race card on this
Nonsense! this is a regular occurrence for alleged small amounts of weed! Ask your Senator Daniels how often he has represented people with the same result….current A-G did as well so stop, this law has been evenly applied for a few years!
@ Balanced Facts,
You are speaking opinion, not facts.
I know of a person who was going to get charged for having 1.9 grams of weed, and was only given a caution because he knew someone in the police force who offered to help him. So to sit there and say the law is evenly applied is opinion mate.
So you base your feeling (or your opinion) on one case vs how many??
LOL
@ Lol
I base my opinion on life experience. As a black men, born in this country, things were never on an even playing field.
no comment. Tired of this BS.
I have the same expeience as you I’m white and what. Where you see race I see class and guess what money is the factor it’s color is green. That’s on my life expierence. Or is yours more valid than mine?
LOL
Evenly, I think not. Any evidence?
And where do you get the facts that the law has been evenly applied for a few years? This is not a regular occurrence at all. I can name many cases where people with allegedly less than 2 grams have been tried and convicted.
I believe that what Betty is trying to say is that if this was a Black kid and/or one who is not politically connected, he would be under the jail.
With literaly 70% of our population being black, and less than 20% white… Obviously the numbers are gonna be different.
But hey… Why does race always need to be brought up..?
Out of all the places I have been to, this island has the most racial talk. And its predominantly black against white. That makes me sad that this is 2014 and we still cant have a news posting without someone saying “white this” or “black that”
Keep it up bermuda.
Firstly, you posted incorrect data:
Ethnic groups (2010[2]) 54% Black people 31% White People 8% Multiracial People 4% Asian people
4% other
“Roughly 98 per cent of Bermuda’s inmates are black, and that means 148 out of every 10,000 black males in Bermuda is in prison”.
Secondly, do you not understand basic math and ratios? You can still work the numbers which will tell you that possession of marijuana and other crime impacts blacks worse than whites in Bermuda. It’s not a biased mindset of posters on this forum; its the facts and truths about black culture.
I know marijuana can be consumed by anyone, but blacks due to their way of life and culture seem to impacted the most.
@ummm please explain your statement “I know marijuana can be consumed by anyone, but blacks due to their way of life and culture seem to impacted the most.” I know MANY blacks that don’t partake in the use of marijuana while I know many other groups who do so to pin that whole stereotype on a single race is wrong on many levels.
@ummm,80% of drug users in the US are white 13% black, percentage of black people incarcerated for drugs, 90+. Black people are impacted the most due to straight out racism, racial profiling and drug laws which toss constitutional rights out the window and were designed to enable this kind of to occur and continue. Excuse me TST,clicked the wrong reply.
Second last sentence should say,”this kind of injustice to occur…..”
Question should be will the Minister of Health submit his resignation, Mr. OBA Whip what is your suggestion from past memory of said minister wanted another colleague to resign? How is it this young man is allowed different privileges than his counter parts of richer colour.
I was not surprise of the outcome, as I believe that “the more things change the more they remain the same”, after all this is the UBPoba government back again.
I only hope that this law would be changed, as it has impacted many of our young black males over the past several years,(I say black as the data indicates this who has been impacted the most) so that they too can be afforded the same opportunities. Many have been put at a disadvantage due to this law, from pursuing certain “JOBS and EDUCATIONAL Opportunities”. I hope that some serious thoughts would be to address this, so that our young people can move forward, and be given a second chance at life.
I pray that many will be given a clean record for similar offences so that the job and travel to school can be once again attainable for them. I seek Equal Opportunities and Justice for our young people.
Lets wait and hope we would be fair to all, and not just a selected few. Lets move, so that this law will change.
In one word COLORADO!
I smell something…..ann hit aint Shadeesh………
This comment is racist and stupid.
I don’t think so. It make sense. The evidence just disappeared?
C’mon now, I’m sure you don’t believe that!
The crown offering NO Evidence, does not mean it disappeared..
Just as with Makai Dickerson they decided not to proceed and offered no evidence..
I’m a gee and that comment was hilarious!!
Oh, the old disappearing evidence trick. The police never seem to lose it when the defendant is some poor old man with glaucoma on a cruise ship.
Who said evidence was lost? Not offering it isn’t the same as losing it.
this stinks of ********* in high places!
ok so Makai Dickson got off but I’m pretty pissed off that this kid is not being held accountable. Trevor and Pettingill have cashed in their share of goodwill credit for the next few years. The judiciary are equally irresponsible….first UBP untouchables then PLP untouchables ….. OBA please
this case has set precedence and probably means no more prosecution for simple procession. All the weedos should be happy happy joy joy
This is not a precedence. This is clearly a case of the friends and family plan in action. He’s such a good boy, we don’t want to hinder his future, etc. etc. Let’s see how many other young men get this same treatment. Why was he arrested in the first place??? Hmmmmm
I am currently studying English law 2nd year at a Russel Group uni, this case will not set precedence because there was no judgement by the judge, it was simply dismissed due to no evidence. This case can be used by a powerful lawyer to the advantage of his clients however.
Well I am a lawyer, not a second year law student, and I do believe you get the gist of what people are saying: I believe it is not the judgment they are concerned with rather the offering of no evidence by the DPPs office when there was apparently evidence to support an arrest and charge in the first instance. Pertinent question: why was he arrested and charged in the first instance, given bail of $2,000 (which suggests this wasn’t a slight bit of evidence) if there wasn’t any/enough evidence to proceed with a trial???
how was a precedent set if there was no evidence offered?
You mean Makia’s case set the precedence this is the case after that fact. But again its a white boy so this will just enforce stereotypes right?
LOL
@ LOL
Maybe you need to go back and read the story. Makia was given a caution, this case does not mention a caution.
@LOL (original TM*) Nice try at deflecting from the issue. In Makai’s case he went to trial and was let off with a caution. In this case the evidence was “lost” and never went to trial so there is a difference. Can you say Friends and Family.
can u say stop assuming before you/we kno all the facts of the case.
You and ‘Independent’ have it wrong, I’m afraid.
LOL (original TM) has it right.
In Makai Dickerson’s case the Crown declined to present any evidence and the charges were dismissed. It was exactly the same as happened in this case. There was no caution.
If you believe that, I’ve got a bridge to sell you. I’m sure there was someone right behind him who got a charge and had a fine levied, probably for less alleged weed.
Its all about who you know.
But the prosecution provided evidence against Makai. He had to go court. This is the case of the missing evidence.
No. In Makai’s case no evidence was offered. It was the same.
@ Suzie Quattro,
Wasn’t Makia given a caution?
http://bernews.com/2013/01/makai-dickersons-cannabis-charges-dropped/
In other words, no, Makai D was not given a caution. The Crown offered no evidence and the case was dismissed. Exactly the same as happened here.
@ Suzie Quattro,
Thank you, however this case is still different. If you read, Makai’s evidence was there, and he was going in to recieve his cation. If you understand the rules for a caution, then you would know these cases are different.
In order to get a caution, you must be a first time offender, the amount has to be less than 3 grams, and you have to take ownership of the weed, admitting it was yours.
With the Moniz case, I do not hear any mention of a caution, and the evidence is not there.
I can see how the cases are similiar, but they are different.
IF you tell me DPP decided to not pursue this young men than fine, but you cant say you lost the evidence, after this man was charged with possesing weed and a grinder.
So truthyfully Suzie, these cases aren’t quite the same.
It is exactly and precisely the same.
You are wrong. Dickerson DID NOT get a caution. In Dickerson’s case, and in this case, the crown declined to present evidence. It often happens. Therefore in each case, the case was dismissed.
thats BS. Something stinks here.
I concur Ben Dover, I concur,wow.
Wow! Just wow. Is this a joke? And people wonder why police are not respected. Selective justice??
When you support the OBA that’s some of the perks you get!!!
Quick someone tell Makai he’s an OBA supporter…
LOL
ABSOLUTE ROT! This type of approach for minor amounts of weed has been going on for a while and more than a few PLP supporters benefitted from it…and their sons!!!
Wow, I guess even with a new government some things never change. The behavior of these politicians on both sides of the house really needs to be called into question.
Maybe the Governor needs to look into this.
Moniz & Dunkley solved that issue over a box of Xmas eggnog!!!
don’t forget Pettingill!!
It’s about who you know…
Politricks….Politricks…same sh**, different dog…I HOPE THAT THEY NOW TREAT EVERYONE EQUALLY W/REGARDS TO MARIJUANA
If this was some regular guy off the street this case would pass unnoticed. He is not. He is the son of a senior politician. What is worse, he is the son of an OBA politician. Being that, he & his parents are held to a much higher standard, particularly by PLP supporters who would have brushed this off had he been the son of a PLP MP.
Still, all is not right. If there was no evidence why was he arrested in the first place? If there was, why has the case been dropped? Somebody somewhere has screwed up. Some truth needs to be told.
Triangle Drifter I was just about to ask the same thing…. Why was he arrested then?…. No evidence?…. Surely he wasn’t arrested just for the hell of it….
I hope that the *chance* that was afforded to this young man is given to the next teen that has future aspirations.
Wow….
Do you remember saying this, Trick Are For Kids?…
“….Makai is not the ONLY one to have charges dropped…..Many others have been ‘cautioned’ which appears to be the PRESENT thing and it has just not been presented in the media……If Makai was not running for a seat during the election or if had said it was his (even if it wasn’t) it would not have been an issue and would not have made it into the paper…”
Yes Susie Q.. Of course I remember… I wrote it…. Ever so flattered that you would research my previous comments.. I am truly honored…
However, I am not prepared to go tit for that with you as the article currently being Commented on is NOTabout Makai but rather young Mr. MONIZ.. MY point if you read with understanding was about in the future moving forward. It was not based on past tense. On top of that I’m sure that you know just as I do the evidence was not “lost”;-)
The evidence wasn’t “lost” in this case or in the Dickerson case either. In both cases the crown declined to present any evidence. The two cases are exactly the same.
As you eloquently pointed out, this happens quite often, and most of the time it wouldn’t have attracted any media interest at all, for either of them.
It’s just interesting that a year ago you were so eloquently arguing in Dickerson’s corner, in exactly the same circumstances.
You may have gotten seven dislikes; but most that can’t get around simple fact and logic often react in this way. I am not condoning actions of either of the two you have mentioned and compared, but you are spot on and have from my part; put up an airtight argument on the similarities. Other than being black/white or PLP/OBA; it’s the old faithful that will not alter or understand.
Ok so precedent is set by judiciary , anything at this weight or under means absolute discharge and no stop list right?
no precedent has been set… “the Crown offered no evidence”.
The way I read it is that the evidence magically disappeared so that no new precedent can be set based on this ruling.
so why was he arrested if the police had no evidence? what evidence do they need now, to actually catch him smoking? well thanks OBA we voted for change!!! friends and family plan in action…
who is surprised by this outcome, not I
Wow talk about something smelling fishey!and i am not talking about my neighbours wife!!How do you arrest some one if there is no evindence??either the police messed this one up, or the attorney generals office screwed it up but we must hold people responsible for wasting the tax payers money..But i am guessing the real answer lays higher up in government??
Before we all rush to judgement someone from the Police Service should make an official statement as to why this young man was not prosecuted. If it’s because it was only a small amount of cannabis then we should all be made aware of it so that moving forward we can expect equal treatment for other young men caught with similar amounts, and we should also be made fully aware of the policy.
If it is a case of there being insufficient evidence to prosecute, and whether the naysayers like it or not, that can occasionally happen, then we the pubic also need to be made aware of the circumstances so we can be satisfied that justice is seen to be done.
This matter will no doubt be treated as a “hot potato” with no-one wanting to tell us the reason for the case being dropped, but it will do FAR more damage to both the OB Government and the Police Service if we are kept in the dark. Transparency works – just try it!
Thank you. The first common sense reply out of many.
So this almighty police statement is guaranteed to be an honest one? with absolute certainty the this statement will not be influenced by the Government, Governor, and the oligarchical families? If you believe this ok so be it
I agree with your comments, however the statement should from from the department of prosecutions.
If they had insufficient evidence, how is it that charges were even allowed to come forward? The prosecutors have only themselves to blame for the controversy, however, most of us understand that double-standards exist in our judicial system — one for the elites and another for the rest of us.
I don’t recall any of these requests for statements from the police and dept of prosecutions when Makai Dickerson was treated in exactly the same way.
Suzie, why do you focus on being the lowest level OBA defender? This has nothing to do with Makai, do why the deflection? I just hope that all persons in this situation get a reprieve in the future. If not, then we are still living in 2 Bermudas. Suzie, …….off ok.
I guess this is a change in the cannabis laws that they were talking about.
I guess this was the reason for the rush to look at changing the Law, all this time the UBPoba was silent in this regard. Now that it impacts one of their own, they now suddenly want to look at revision of the law…REALLY !! While many of our young black males have suffered from this law, and prevented them from moving forward in terms of job opportunities and furthering their education. I tell you the UBPoba “Friends and Family Plan is in full swing”
I hope things will be equal for all some day soon !!
“I hope things will be equal for all some day soon !!”
Do you also want equal rights for homosexuals, so that they may marry one another? Or do you just want equality in cases where you, your friends, and your family benefit from it?
Quick question,Have you ever heard homosexual rights campaigners call for people’s right to smoke herb to be respected, for Rastafarians for instance? Or any other groups, facing discrimination, rights for that matter? Personally I have no problem with gay marriage, and I can’t understand why gays accept being given rights selectively. Equal rights but you can’t get married? You should talk to the Premier, he said no marriage, and he is the leader, for now.
when we look at the real reason if the DPP gives us (Bermuda) an honest answer then the truth will be known. We can then petition the Governor.
Precedence??? Don’t hold your breath! The Crown offered no evidence. There wasn’t even an alleged amount reported so why are we expecting any more. WHAT DID TREVOR MONIZ DO??? He thinks it’s the end but it’s just the beginning! Go down back biter! The kid knows he has immunity now! What will he allegedly do next??? Don’t worry… I’ll wait!
WOW!So the evidence just disappeared?
Poof like magic!
I initially questioned why a caution wasn’t used, not realizing who he was, and I still feel it would be sufficient under the current laws, that being said, when I found out later I didn’t expect the usual chorus of “throw the book at him,” “fullest extent of the law” or “the law’s the law” but this outcome raises some eyebrows to say the least. This type of justice reminded me of a more flagrant example, staunch anti-herb proponent John Mc’cain’s handling of his drug addled, beer fortune heiress, trophy wife’s case when she stole drugs destined to ease the suffering of children in third world countries, he attempted to cover it up and went as far as to go after the whistle blower, of course after the 11 month investigation which could attract a 20 year sentence she ended up in a country club rehab and no jail time, look it up for some interesting reading.
To the person who said selective justice by police: the police put the person in front of the Courts (Police Job Done)the next step is the DPP and the Courts. please learn the process before you speak. If there was no evidence to be offered it standsto reason there was no standard of proof and the matter should not have come before the court. But by the mere fact it came to court the matter should have been fully dealt with. Shame on the DPP
@Office Speaks his mind……..Sounds like you know the process, and there is something may have gone array at the DDP office? WOW this speaks volumes……
NONE OF US HAVE ALL OF THE REAL FACTS SO UNTIL THEN WE SHOULD NOT PASS JUDGEMENT BECAUSE NOT ONE OF US KNOWS!!
Well if that is the case the DPP office needs to make a valid statement of FACTS…if not folks will read the info as presented, and right not does not look good.
Facts:
In 1990
- I was stopped by the Police on Parsons Road riding my bike;
- I had one (1) cannabis spliff in my possession;
- I was not charged, cautioned or sent to Magistrates Court for possession;
- I was, however, placed on the Stop List and cannot travel;
- I am male, over 40 and of Afro Caribbean ethnic origin (using UK definitions).
In 2013
- Cannabis Charge Dropped Against Moniz
This certainly calls into question the way people actually get to be denied entry into the US, the police have denied any involvement in the past and we have been told the HS get the names from the media for the stop list the consulate claims doesn’t exist.
and Dickerson
Something aint right about your story, the stop list is not BDA its de US. But you need to be convicted or charged, whereas you got neither so either you had a shi**y lawyer or u needa go back to govenrnment or consulate and sort dat out. dummy
You need to plead guilty…..
LOL
Sorry but I don’t accept Apartheid State’s “Facts” at all. No how no way! I suggest that he go to the press and provide them with ALL the details of his past history and allow them to conduct a full investigation with both the Police and U.S. Consulate’s office. There is no way that any police officer would have taken any action to even try to put this man on the U.S. authorities “Stop List” just because he was once caught with a spliff that didn’t even merit a caution or a court appearance.
I suspect that he will do nothing because there is more to this allegation than he is telling us.
In the absence of more info, it’s difficult to give a truly informed opinion. The little we know so far does beg the question of why was this individual pulled before the courts, if there was no evidence( supposedly). Surely there was ‘some’ reason for him in court on December 31st?
Oh I wish there was copyright laws for names on blogs with all these impersanators I’d be rich…………………
LOL
Actually as long as bernews has existed I’ve been posting under the moniker LOL, and I didnt see anyone posting under that name until several variations popped up after a while. Why are you so sure that you’re the first? I can’t say for sure that I am, and wouldnt be arrogant enough to assume otherwise.
Ultimately who cares? Ive distinguished my name from yours with the ‘and all that’ part of my name.
Please, I’ve been using the moniker LOL as long as bernews has been around. Ive amended it a few times as more and more LOLs have popped up.
moreover reading this happened on September 2nd. Young Moniz was allowed to leave and go to university and have the case tried on his university vacation? how can this be fair to other of the richer complexion?
Exactly the same timing as the Makai Dickerson case.
This is the reason I’m not supporting,
funny cuz they dropped de charges against makai, but u still support dem? dummy
@ u ank sers
Perhaps you don’t read too well (can already tell you can’t spell too well), all was said was that the support was going to be given to the OBA. Nowhere was it said support would be given to Makai (or by extension the PLP) who if I remember stepped down as a candidate anyway.
(holds head down in shame for not proof reading my post before correcting someone else) It should be:
“all was said was that the support was NOT going to be given to the OBA.”
Lets’ have it and legalize it. What de hell wee waiting for. We know Moniz won’t be added to the stop list.
More to come
Just asking…… How many black males are selling drugs on the side of the road vs How many white males selling drugs on the side of the road? How many black children have been to court for possession of drugs after traces found on a grinder? And I’m black before you start.
I’m with you. There’s two sets of justice in this country and it is not weighted based on the population makeup either. There have been clear cases where PLP MPs’ children were prosecuted for drug possession and placed on the stop list. There appears to be some unfair tactics taking place here.
http://bernews.com/2013/01/makai-dickersons-cannabis-charges-dropped/
The link is clear!! Charges DROPPED against Makai – stop looking for a conspiracy where there is none!
@Ruthless, but how may white males are selling drugs out of their mansions? Because we don’t see them doing anything illegal by the side of the road does not mean it is not happening in their neck of the woods, and that they are not involved in that trade.
What are we suppose to start, because ‘you are black’????
Don’t get me wrong, I should have finished my point cause its my personal opinion that they do just as much drugs or maybe more than black people but they don’t do it on the sides of the road to get caught like black people.
this is crazy honest.. really
wake up bermuda xoxo.
Black, white, BLACK, WHITE…STFU you bunch of racist, b*****n’ MOANERS!!! Charges have been dropped by prosecutions to black and white people in the past if you care to open your eyes.
they can’t, blind followers that just refuse to see it. you are 100% correct, and I would bet more blacks than whites get a freebie just on population ratio.
I will bet my bottom dollar that both Truth is killin’ me… and Enough Already are white. Do you notice that only white people seem to think that colour doesn’t matter. Why don’t you stop to ask yourself the question, “Why do most black people think that colour matters?” Do you think that maybe because it affects them or is the whole race wrong.
No denying race can be a factor. Do I agree in all cases race is the factor no.
“is the whole race wrong.”
Would not be the first time think black slavery.
LOL
Sorry… I’m black and I’m with them. Tired of the whole black/white thing. F***; what Bermuda coming to? I am 45 and don’t remember such a level of hatred between races in Bermuda. All being backed by they did it so why not us or they got away with it but why not us.
F****** sickening that most arguments are about comparing two cases in which something wrong/illegal was done and the blogs are consumed with conversation on prosecuting or rewarding bad behavior. We seem more consumed with arguing who got a break as opposed to who did not because of skin color? I’m not specifically referring to this case; just most cases in general. It’s like the OBA/PLP back and forth arguments on “they did it so we can too”.
Here is the thing that should be a concern to us, convictions , cautions conditional discharges for even small amounts of grass will expose the defendant to US stop List , and avoiding a young student ending up on the Stop List must have been a priority for the family , the stop list is a very big deal and to avoid it for one child and not another has the smell discrimination … So its discrimination that you may be smelling.
This is injustice to say the least. I have many family members who are on the Stop List because of small portions of weed. They cannot travel freely. Bermuda do not let this case go away like many others. We must continue to speak up and question this unjust justice system. Unfortunately, there are two sets of rules. I can surely see why Black Bermudians get disgusted with this island. At the end of the day, we are NOT together! Some questions need answering:
*Where did the evidence go?
*Should Moniz be put on the stop list? (he should)
*Who were the superiors who were ultimately involved in getting the charges dropped?
*Will we get answers?
Keep this case in the news Bermuda! Don’t let this die a slow Bermuda death like many other cases!
Wow, many family members? Here’s a news flash “weed is illegal”….. Tell your MANY family members stop smoking weed.
I’m truly sorry to hear that this decision has affected their lives; but hoping the same for another does no justification.
After all; are we not trying to push that the law responsible for ruining lives for young people (black and white) who are experimenting; be addressed? In this case; was that not done? Wishing for this individual to be punished as your many family members, does not move in that direction.
As mentioned above, this is one of numerous cases involving blacks and whites recently as to how police actions to small amounts of weed has changed. Is this NOT what we are trying to achieve?
Answers to your questions; where did evidence go? Read above as to no evidence provided to prosecute. Evidence did not go anywhere. Why should he be on stop list? Because you’re many family members are? Superiors involved in charges dropped? Read the case.
Don’t let emotions lead you…..
Who said that this case has NOT set a new precedence..? This young man was arrested, charged and put on bail for 2.1 grams of Cannabis. He appears in court and the DPP offers NO EVIDENCE!! The ONLY excusable explanation I would accept would be from a DR.s Affidavit that the young man was terminally ill and not expected to live and could expire at any time now….other than that they would be involving themselves in immoral or unethical behavior, which is not always illegal. 2014 people…you better get prepared and stop falling for the distractions ..they love when you’re b!t@h!n an moanin n fighting amongst yourselves over spilled milk…oops News iz on !!!
I think the point of him being ‘let off’ should be to not allow anyone to be affected by the possession of small amounts of weed regardless of race. if that is the consensus, GREAT!! We should not hear or read of such cases in the media forever after today. This is a win for all Bermudians.
The part that should hurt all blacks in this country is that the PLP never addressed this and the OBA are on the road to doing so. If you got a conviction over the last decade you need to ask the PLP why they never addressed it because the FACTS remain, we were affected the most.
For clarity, I was given a caution for the case relating to me. You get one caution and my one and only is gone. For the record my case never would have went to court as it could have been dealt with at the police station once I showed up and signed the statement. But since it was leaked for political gain and a big issue made of it, it went to court, however my lawyers came in with the details and what was meant to be in the first place took place.
I am not angry that this young man was not convicted nor fined for his alleged “offense”, as no one should be for this, however bringing me into it our comparing our cases is non and void. This case should be revealed for what it is as mine was. Answer the questions of the people and you have no worries. Don’t put me into it.
Seems like this young man has some daddy issues.
it has everything to do with race,end of story
sort tom, it’s not race. it’s which political party is in at the time. all kinds of things were “overlooked” and “no evindence found” during the PLP regime.
a