Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes on Thursday urged people not to disrespect the Rastafarianism religion, unconvinced that a convicted cannabis possessor was a member of the faith.
He made the comment after Ryan O’Brian Ellis, who was recorded as having no fixed place of abode, claimed to be Rastafarian and used cannabis that had been found in his possession to relax.
Ellis pleaded guilty before the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court to possession of 14 grammes or $125 worth of the drug on Wednesday.
Police on patrol observed him sitting on a chair between some houses along a St Michael road. On seeing the police he fled, was pursued and apprehended. The illegal substance was found in his pocket.
“I just buy them two quarter-ounces,” he told police when asked to account for the substance.
But before Chief Magistrate Weekes he apologized after first saying that he had nothing to say.
“I sorry for the mistake; I would like a chance please,” he pleaded.
When asked why he was using cannabis, Ellis replied: “It does relax me. It does keep me calm. I [am] a Rastafarian. Rastafari.”
But when asked direct questions about the religion and when Emancipation Day was, Ellis could not answer.
“You know nothing about Rastafarians,” the chief magistrate then declared.”Stop making a mockery of the people’s faith. I am tired of wunna mekking mock sport at this, wunna ain’t got a clue,”
The judicial officer then referred Ellis to a probation officer who submitted that he performs 120 hours of community service.
He was then granted $2,000 bail which he secured with one surety to reappear before the court on February 11, 2022, to give an update on the service.
