by Linda Straker
- Javid Raymond of Grand Anse Housing Scheme, arrested and charged
- Robinson and Raymond were friends on Facebook and Instagram platforms
- Raymond will appear at St George’s No. 1 Magistrates Court on Monday, 18 September
Police in Grenada have charged an unemployed man with the offence of Non-Capital Murder for Jonty Jordan Josiah Robinson, whose body was found on a beach in June.
“Javid Raymond, a 28-year-old unemployed man of Circular Drive, Grand Anse Housing Scheme, St George, was arrested and charged today (Saturday, 16 September 2023), for the offence of Non-Capital Murder,” said a statement posted on Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) Facebook page at 4:25 pm. “Raymond, who was detained by Police on Friday, 15 September 2023, was charged for intentionally and unlawfully causing the death of 24-year-old Josiah Jonty Robinson on 17 June 2023. The accused man will appear at the St George’s No. 1 Magistrates Court on Monday, 18 September 2023.”
The Criminal Code Amendment Act (Amendment) Act 29/2012 introduced the terms of Capital and Non-Capital Murder. According to Section 230B (3) of the criminal code a person who is convicted of an offence of non-capital murder is liable to imprisonment for life; but also may be sentenced to death if he has a prior conviction of murder committed on another occasion or another conviction of murder committed on the same occasion with which he is charged.
However, according to Section 230B(4) such a person shall not be sentenced to death as a result of a previous conviction for murder unless 7 days prior to the trial notice is given to the convicted person that the previous conviction is intended to be proved against him and also if it is admitted by him or found to be proven against him by the trial judge.
In a news conference on the date of his detention, Police told reporters in a news conference that Raymond was an acquaintance of Robinson. They did not deliberate on the type of acquaintance but a search through Facebook and Instagram social media platforms showed the 2 men were friends.
Following the discovery of the body, many believed he was killed because of his sexual orientation. His death brought international attention to Grenada when Tyler Perry and Yvette Noel Schure jointly offered a US$100,000 for any information that could lead to an arrest in the matter.
Police said that solving the case was not as a result of any tips received because of the offer. It is understood that Police obtained a confession statement from Raymond.
On Monday, 4 September 2023 the Caribbean Equality Project led a historic Queer Caribbean Liberation Collective contingent that participated in the 2023 West Indian Day Parade, in Brooklyn, New York. Together with partners, activists, and community members, over 150 marchers amplified Caribbean LGBTQ+ representation while celebrating Caribbean culture, to demand action, accountability, and Justice for Jonty Jordan Josiah Robinson.
Following the protest, the Caribbean Equality Project issued a news statement calling on Governor-General Her Excellency Dame Cécile La Grenade, Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister and Minister for National Security in Grenada, and the Royal Grenada Police Force to demonstrate that all Grenadian lives are valued and protected by allocating all the necessary resources to thoroughly investigate the murder of Jonty Robinson.
This is a heartbreaking situation. It’s devastating to see how a single incident can affect so many lives. My thoughts are with the family and friends of Jonty Robinson during this difficult time. I hope justice is served, and we can find a way to prevent such tragedies in the future.
This is such a tragic situation, and it’s heartbreaking to see lives affected by violence. My thoughts are with Jonty Robinson’s family during this incredibly difficult time. I hope justice is served.
Is “unemployed” relevant to the news article?
Let’s see the Caribbean Equality Project making the same request for Nooksy of Mt Granby who was killed over a year ago in Doughlaston. Let’s show all lives matter. With no proof it was widely believed it was Jonty sexual orientation & if this is not the case shows how quickly we jump for those deemed important! Justice for all outstanding murders!
Fly High Jonty!
Equality for ALL