Jurors warned to take duty seriously;
One fined for absenteeism

By Terresa McCall
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

~~Adz:Right~~BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A strong message was sent yesterday when a juror who failed to appear in court for the first two days of the September 2008 Criminal Assizes was issued a fine.
 
The juror, who did not show up for court on Tuesday and Wednesday, appeared in court yesterday and when questioned by His Lordship Justice Francis Belle on his absence informed that his son was not keeping well and he was the only person available to attend to his needs.

Justice Belle, inquired of the man as to why he, given that circumstance, failed to contact the court or an officer thereof to inform of what had transpired. The juror told Belle that this is his first time as a juror and he was not certain as to what procedure was to be followed during such circumstances.

The juror, in the presence of his colleagues, was chastised and warned to take his duty as one that is of a serious and “important” nature. Justice Belle cautioned that such a duty is not a joke and must be taken seriously while the juror apologised for his folly.

The man was issued a $100 fine which has to be paid within one week.