Tobago Correspondent
The arrest of a 15-year-old Tobago schoolboy on a possible capital charge over the weekend has left Education Secretary Orlando Kerr concerned and residents of the Plymouth community worried about the teenager’s future.
The Form Four student was detained on Sunday as police investigated the killing of his elderly relative, Leon Scotland.
While his classmates returned to school yesterday for the start of the new academic year, the teenager spent a second consecutive day in police custody.
Police said the boy and his 70-year-old relative became involved in a heated altercation at their Plymouth home on Saturday. The dispute reportedly escalated, during which time the older man sustained a blow to the head.
He was taken to Scarborough General Hospital for treatment but died on Sunday.
The teenager was subsequently detained by police.
Although he was unaware of the full circumstances surrounding the incident, Kerr described the matter as both troubling and unfortunate.
“It is troubling to hear that a student has been arrested in connection with such an incident,” he said.
Senior Superintendent Rodhil Kirk confirmed yesterday afternoon that the minor remained in custody as investigations into the relative’s death continued. He added that officers were being guided by the Children Act in their handling of the matter.
Under Chapter 46:01 of the Act, specially designated judges and magistrates hear cases involving children in the Children’s Court. The court deals with child offenders, children in need of care and protection, and other matters affecting minors.
When Guardian Media visited the family’s residence yesterday, no one was at home. The deceased man’s vehicle remained parked outside the property.
Neighbours, speaking in hushed tones, said the incident had shocked the community. Some speculated that the teenager may have been provoked.
One resident, who requested anonymity, said she feared the incident could have lasting consequences for the boy.
“I feel sad about what has happened to the young guy because his future will be in jeopardy right now. It is very, very sad. Very unfortunate,” she said.
The woman described the family as private, saying they generally kept to themselves and rarely interacted with neighbours. She said she was at church when the incident occurred and only learned about it later that evening after receiving a phone call.
A teacher at the boy’s school told Guardian Media the matter was not officially addressed by the principal when teachers, administrators and students returned yesterday. With the investigation ongoing, she said there was little the school could publicly comment on at this stage.
The boy’s arrest came on the same day Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, in a message ahead of the new academic year, urged students and parents to take education seriously and avoid actions that could jeopardise their future.
