Drug addict, 53, gets a chance to visit Rehab

A 53-year-old drug addict gardener was saved from a five-year jail term yesterday and instead given an opportunity by the Court of Appeal to seek rehabilitation. But before doing so, Kamal Ramdass, will have to pay a fine of $3,000 or in default serve nine months hard labour.

Ramdass of Don Miguel Road, San Juan, is expected to join the Piparo Empowerment Centre which helps drug addicts “kick the habit.” Ramdass had pleaded guilty to possession of three grammes of cocaine and was sentenced to five years hard labour by Magistrate Deborah Thomas Felix. He had four previous convictions for similar offences.  His attorney Dana Seetahal, appealed on severity of sentence  and pointed out to the Court that other convicted persons who had much more drugs in their possession,  and for trafficking were given lighter sentences than Ramdass. She also made submissions, and presented testimonials to the Court that Ramdass was willing  to “fight his habit” and seek rehabilitation. She presented the Court with a letter of his intended admittance into the Piparo centre and the willingness of his family to support him.

After hearing Seetahal’s plea in mitigation, the Court, comprising Justice Lionel Jones (President) and Justice Wendell Kangaloo told Ramdass that “too often addicts and drug users are left to row their own boat.” Justice Kangaloo who delivered the judgement reminded  Ramdass that he was fortunate to have his family willing to help him. The judge further told Ramdass that he was very fortunate in that not many people get the chance he was getting. State prosecutor Joan Charles noted that St Ann’s Hospital had recommended that Ramdass should have long term treatment. Treat-ment at Piparo lasts up to nine to 12 months.