$4 fine annoys trial judge

Instead of imposing a minuscule fine of just $4, Senior Parish Judge Lori-Anne Cole-Montaque issued a stern warning to two fishermen who were caught fishing in the fairway at the Kingston Harbour.

The defendants, Vinton Fox and Michael Fox, pleaded guilty to laying net in the fairway when they appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court. Laying net in the fairway is illegal under the Harbour Rules of 1971, and has yet to be tabled in Parliament to be amended. Under Section 14 (B) of the Harbour Rules (1971) and Section (7) 2 of paragraph A of the Harbours Act (1874), the maximum fine for the offence is $4.

"There is not even a pen for $4. Sir, don't let it happen again," instructed the senior jurist.

Prosecutors contend that on January 20, the men were seen by police attached to the Marine Division throwing their nets in the Kingston Harbour. They were subsequently admonished and discharged.

- T.T.