Teenage inmate to sit nine CSEC subjects

A teenager serving time for a murder that she committed when she was 12, will sit the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations this year, after receiving all of her secondary education in prison.

In 2016, the now 18-year-old was sentenced by Justice Kathy Ann Latchoo for the murder of 15-year-old Moesha Primus.

On June 18, 2015, at Lowmans Leeward, Primus, a student of the Intermediate High School (IHS), died from a stab wound to the heart, after an altercation with the then primary school student. The two girls were friends and it was said that the deceased was very fond of the younger girl.

The teenager admitted her guilt at the High Court after going through a preliminary inquiry at the Family Court. She was sentenced to eight years imprisonment, reduced from 12 years because of her guilty plea.

She was ordered to spend a minimum of six years confinement, but was not placed in the general prison population.

The teenager, who was attending primary school at the time of the murder, was ordered to continue receiving her education.

Furthermore, a report was ordered to come before the court every two years, which was later adjusted to every year.

Last Friday, July 3, the 18-year-old came before Justice Brian Cottle for this yearly report.

In perusing this, the question of her future after the exams arose, and her attendance at college.

The Chief Education Officer (CEO) Elizabeth Walker, who was called to the stand by the judge, noted that they are hoping, and they feel confident that the young inmate will do well on the examinations. Following this, she acknowledged that the next step would be college. Walker said that because of the interest and support that had gone into her education for the last five years, they would be very willing to see her through this stage as well.

Justice Cottle decided that there would have to be another report before the court when the results are received, and then it will be decided what should be done.

The prosecution had been led to believe that the mother for the deceased child wanted to say something to the court, but when the mother was engaged she indicated that she did not have anything to say.

Therefore, the judge told the prisoner that he read the report, was satisfied with it thus far, and wished her all the best in her exams.

The 18-year-old will sit nine subjects.