Alleged gangsters demand better food

Alleged members of the One Don faction of the Clansman Gang yesterday verbally protested against the meals provided by the State for them during day 31 of their trial in Kingston.

Alleged gang leader Andre 'Blackman' Bryan told the court that he could not stomach the meals provided.

"None tall [at all] mi fada (referring to Chief Justice Bryan Sykes). One time me get macaroni. It hard to digest. Me afi just mek up mi mind and eat it," Bryan said. The accused said the food is served cold and is not seasoned.

"The way dem deal wid the food nuh presentable. Dem bring it ina white crate... and put it right on the floor, so who want just come take up," another accused said.

"Your Honour, when them gi we di food, when you open the box, water a run literally off the box. You afi drain off the water," Bryan said. He told the court that he does not eat meat and was one of six accused who is either on a special diet or are vegetarians.

"The State provides the food but they don't want it. It's left down there and it is disposed of in the evenings," a policewoman told the court.

"It can't eat. Dog deven nyam that! Not even ants a eat dem food deh," one of the accused told the court. "As of tomorrow (today) they will be provided with their food, people (relatives) can take their food," a policewoman said.

"So it would be safe to say that the police have not been allowing that since the trial started?" Justice Sykes asked. "It was limited, Sir, I know it was limited," the cop responded.

The defendants also argued that other prisoners with matters at the courthouse were being allowed to receive fast food and other meals, however, because of the stigma attached to their trial, they were being barred from receiving similar gestures from their relatives. Sykes, after hearing the grouse, adjusted the lunchtime from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. starting today.

The prisoners also agreed for the meals to be searched at the courthouse and were told no food would be allowed to be taken back to the facilities where they are being housed.