Bubah Cane Soft ‘n Juicy vendor acquitted
By Pauline Ngunjiri
Nevis Reporter - SKNVibes.com
~~Adz:Left~~CHARLESTOWN, Nevis - WHILE Magistrate Yasmine Clarke is protective of vending laws, she appealed to the police on Tuesday to use their discretion and interpret legislation against circumstances under which they arrest youngsters who sell cane.
Magistrate Clarke addressed the police when Dale Rochester of St. Kitts appeared in court charged under the 2002 Charlestown Vending Ordinance. Rochester was the first cane vendor of the popularised ‘Babah Cane Soft ‘n Juicy’ local refreshment that persons of all backgrounds stop to buy near Gingerland bus terminus in Charlestown.
Rochester was arrested on April 25, 2008 by a police officer on Main Street, Charlestown while selling cane to a customer. One sack of his cane was confiscated and he was placed in custody and charged.
Earlier, local attorney Oral Martin, who represented Rochester, told the court that the government’s policy encourages small enterprises. “The gentleman sells cane. Cane is healthy.
He is making a contribution to the society...and it is a legitimate economic activity. He is struggling to build an income. Please do not record it as a criminal offence.”
The Magistrate, who saw nothing wrong in what Rochester did, said, “I have an idea why the law was put in place.” Her Worship explained that the ordinance was put in place due to an influx of vendors who had apparently left the market and were selling their wares in Charlestown.
She dismissed Rochester’s case.
