‘Massive’ Gosine charged with DP fraud

Gosine was arrested on Wednesday during a police traffic exercise in Tarouba Village. He was taken to the Marabella Police Station where he was charged with the offence. Gosine, who heads the "Massive Gosine" Roving Chutney Tent, left the station Wednesday night after Justice of the Peace Kelly Maharaj granted him $60,000 bail.

Yesterday, Gosine, of Marabella, appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington, who read the charge: "On Thursday, February 16 at Tarouba Link Road, Tarouba, with intent to forge a certain document namely a Republic of Trinidad and Tobago driver’s permit in the name of Nirmal Gosine."

Gosine stood before the magistrate dressed in a long-sleeved white shirt with a tie in the national colours. The charge was laid indictably and court prosecutor Sgt Harricharan Kassie recommended a summary trial. Gosine, who was represented by attorney Sheldon Ramanan, pleaded not guilty.

In requesting an adjournment, Ramanan asked for the prosecution to make certain disclosures. Wellington postponed the case to July 20.

After his brief court appearance, Gosine told Newsday that the charge against him would not affect the nightly roving of his tent.

"Who knows, one might just hear me sing about this matter," he said.