P.G. Residents Take to the Streets to Protest Mario Vernon Case

On Saturday morning in Punta Gorda, despite inclement weather, residents, including family and friends of Mario Vernon Junior took the streets to protest his killing.  The twenty-four-year-old grandson of Leela Vernon was shot and killed by police constable Tevin Aranda on January thirteenth.  While his death has been ruled a manslaughter, the grieving family is demanding justice for the slaying of their loved one.  They protested through the principal streets of the southernmost town with placards in hand, before his mother gave an address at the culmination of the march.

Mother of Mario Vernon

“We want to thank everyone who is out here this morning, despite the weather, for their support and your continued support.  I am of no legal mind but the report that the police said and the events that unfolded, which was explained thoroughly from beginning to end by the witnesses.  As a teacher, like what I said, I am no legal mind but I have been a teacher for twenty-odd years and I can say this, and a baby in Infant One who listened to what the police said, no that what they said is just total bull.  No sense at all.  You cannot do something and try to cover because one cover up will lead to another and another and another.  I’m not going to talk about the inconsistencies in the report that they gave when they murder my only son.  That was my only son, I only had two children and now I only have one daughter, so I am going to fight to the very last, even if I have to spend my last penny to see that justice is served.”

PC Tevin Aranda has been arraigned in the Dangriga Magistrate’s court on a count of manslaughter and released on bail of ten thousand dollars.