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Principal of the Fancy Government School, Colbert Bowens. (IWN photo)
Principal of the Fancy Government School, Colbert Bowens. (IWN photo)
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Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias on Thursday agreed to an adjournment in the Rock Gutter bus tragedy case to allow the prosecution time to determine how it will proceed.

Fancy residents Ehud Myers, a 67-year old pastor; Colbert Bowens, a 51-year-old principal; and Davanan Nanton, a 36-year-old chauffeur, are jointly charged with by omission causing the death of Racquel Ashton, Chanstacia Stay, Glenroy Michael, Jamall and Jamalie Edwards, Simonique Ballantyne and Anique Alexander.

The seven students died when a minivan in which they were travelling careened down a steep hill and plunged into the sea at Rock Gutter on Jan. 12, 2015.

Manslaughter accused, Davanan Nanton.
Manslaughter accused, Davanan Nanton.

When the matter was called in court on Thursday, persecutor Adolphus Delpesche told the court that he and Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Colin Williams, discussed the case on Monday.

He noted that the charges are based on the finding of a coroner’s inquest.

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Delpesche told the court that the Crown is in the process of putting things together to have a preliminary inquiry.

He said that there are lengthy and complex depositions, adding that the prosecution needs time to decide if there is “any flesh on the bones” and asked the court to grant a one-month adjournment.

Duane Daniel, lawyer for the three men, told the court that he, too, has had discussions with the DPP.

Ehud Myers, a 67-year old pastor, is also charged. (IWN photo)
Ehud Myers, a 67-year old pastor, is also charged. (IWN photo)

The prosecution told the court that there is no indication of the number of witnesses that are expected to testify, but promised that the prosecution will not go on a “fishing expedition”.

He said that if there are no material witnesses that can substantiate a charge, the persecution will not proceed on the matter.

The magistrate told the prosecution that she will give them some time to put their house in order, if there is indeed a house, and asked that the court be informed if there is a decision before March 23, the date for the next court appearance.

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