A Vistabella man accused of cursing at Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar during the People's Partnership's local government campaign launch in San Fernando was one of two men who appeared in court yesterday charged with using obscene language at the Monday night meeting.
Dexter Oudit, 49, of Hubert Rance Street, Vistabella, and Marlon Richardson, 34, of Tarodale, Ste Madeleine, were both arrested for allegedly cursing in the crowded venue while the Prime Minister was giving her address at Harris Promenade, San Fernando.When Oudit and Richardson appeared in court, San Fernando Fifth Court Magistrate Rae Roopchan read the charge to them separately.The charge alleged that they used obscene language at Harris Promenade, a public street, to the annoyance of persons.
Richardson pleaded not guilty.Oudit, who works at the San Fernando City Corporation, pleaded guilty."Guilty, Sir, "(I was) under alcohol sir, sorry, Sir."However, the magistrate entered a not guilty plea on behalf of Oudit after he disputed the facts of the case.According to the facts, read by Sgt Parasan Ramsumair, around 9.30 pm WPC Hoarsley was on duty at the meeting.The prosecutor said the police officer heard Oudit using obscene language directed at the Prime Minister.
Asked by the magistrate if the facts were correct, Oudit said, "Sir, I was intoxicated."Asked again if he agreed with the facts, he said, "Yes, sir."The magistrate said: "What does being intoxicated have to do with this? We have the right to vote for whoever we want to."Saying there were more than five political parties in the country, the magistrate said if there was any disagreement with whatever a political party says there are ways of dealing with that.
He said people have the right to dip "your finger in red" and vote for the political party of their choice."Don't disturb a meeting," he said, adding that people have a right to political freedom and to listen to political meetings without being disturbed.The magistrate said those were the kinds of things that were causing dissension in the country.At this point, Oudit interjected, saying, "Two fellas was carrying on in front and she come and arrest me. I was never using any obscene language."
Oudit then said he was intoxicated and used obscene language to those men."I was not cursing the Prime Minister," he said.Because Oudit disputed the facts, the magistrate entered the not-guilty plea.The magistrate wanted to start the trial immediately and the prosecutor said he was ready to proceed and Oudit said he had no attorney.The prosecutor noted that Oudit had a pending matter for cocaine possession, but did not object to bail being granted to him or Richardson.
Richardson who had matters pending, said he would also be hiring an attorney.Both men were placed on $1,000 own bail each and the matter was adjourned to November 12 for trial.