By Alric Lindsay
Jonathan Moore, David Demitri Rankin, Elizabeth Abigail Williams, Tajima Ann-Mae Rankine and Arlington Bennett Hyde appeared in the Summary Court today, January 28, 2025, to face ganja possession and consumption charges. They pleaded guilty and are expected to be sentenced at a later date.
Jonathan Moore’s details
Regarding Moore, his specific charges were possession of ganja with intent to supply and failing to provide a specimen of urine.
It was explained in the Summary Court that on May 31, 2024, he breached section 3(1)(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Act by possessing 241.33 grams (8.51 ounces) of ganja in Bodden Town with intent to supply. Moore pleaded not guilty to intent to supply but pleaded guilty to possession.
Concerning his second charge, it was explained that on May 31, 2024, he was asked to provide a urine specimen at the Cayman Islands Detention Centre. However, he refused.
His next court date is February 20, 2025.
David Demitri Rankin’s details
In the case of Rankin, his specific charges were possession of 164 grams of ganja on Watercourse Road, West Bay, on September 18, 2024, with intent to supply. He pleaded not guilty to intent to supply but pleaded guilty to possession.
The Summary Court also heard that he was found with a utensil used in the preparation of a controlled drug, namely a digital scale.
Lastly, he pleaded guilty to the consumption of ganja.
Elizabeth Abigail Williams
Regarding Williams, her specific charges were the possession of a utensil used in the preparation or consumption of a controlled drug, namely a multi-coloured grinder, on June 26, 2024, in Savannah. She pleaded guilty to this and consumption of ganja.
In addition to the above, three of her cell phones were confiscated. The Chief Magistrate ordered that these be returned to her.
Tajima Ann-Mae Rankine
Concerning Tajima Ann-Mae Rankine, her specific charges were possession of 6.21 grams of ganja on June 26, 2024, in Savannah.
She was also charged with consumption of ganja and possession of a grinder.
She faces sentencing on March 19, 2025.
Arlington Bennett Hyde
Lastly, Bennett Hyde faced charges of consumption of cocaine and ganja. He pleaded guilty to the charges.
Note to readers:
While ganja possession and consumption sentencing are considered by the Court on a case-by-case basis, recent Court rulings demonstrate that the Court may be lenient when small amounts are involved. For example, sometimes, only a fine must be paid, and no conviction is recorded.
On other occasions, the Court does not make this decision immediately. Instead, the Court may require a young person to do a period of drug testing. If they produce clean results, the Court may decide not to record a conviction.
