Sunday 14 July 2013

The Case for the Zimmerman verdict

Yesterday a Florida jury found George Zimmerman NOT GUILTY of the murder of Trayvon Martin. This case attracted a lot of attention because it brought into focus the role of race in the American Justice System.
For me, the jury has spoken. They have the final word and we should all now hope for peace and healing.
We should never expect the legal system to be perfect but we must expect it to be fair. The jury did their job; they considered the evidence presented by two very good legal teams. The Judge maintained balance and did not allow one side to have an unfair advantage over the other. Regardless of how emotions may stir because of the outcome, all the elements of a fair trial were present. Apart from that, It so happens that I think the verdict was correct.
I fully expected Zimmerman to be found NOT GUILTY. Now Zimmerman was told by the police to stay put. He ignored those instructions and approached Trayvon. Minutes later Trayvon was dead. For many of us this was enough to convict him. However, put your father, or your brother or your son or any loved one in the place of Zimmerman. Is that alone the kind of evidence that should convict them of murder???
The prosecution faced the real battle dealing with the confrontation between the two. The prosecution witnesses contradicted themselves and each other. A really good prosecutor would be on top of this early. Yet in this case it happened over and over. This is where the Defence team eventually had an advantage and this is why Zimmerman is free today.
Now, do I think Zimmerman is innocent? NO. But the prosecution did not prove his guilt. Sad but true.

Saturday 13 July 2013

Colours

Today I start my blogging experience by making a case for the #Coloursfete next weekend. You can see more about the fete here http://youtu.be/SIlM3-Wefxg
Some people are disappointed that Tian Wynter is not in the entertainment line-up. But hey, Colours has always attracted a mature crowd and this year, patrons will get their money's worth with a high energy performance by Denyse Plummer.
All the funds from the Colours fete are spent on charitable causes sponsored by the Rotary Club. This year's venue is Splash so there is gonna be lots of space. Lots to eat and drink too. You will not be disappointed.
So next week we doing it Vegas Style.........and remember what happens in Vegas..... stays in Vegas!