Woman gets community service for exposing breasts
...fined $150 for cursing
Nikita Braxton South Bureau
THE woman charged with bearing her breasts for Carnival was yesterday sentenced to 240 hours of community service.
Kamala Ramkissoon, 43, of Cocoyea, changed her previous not guilty plea and yesterday admitted to the charges that she willfully and obscenely exposed her person and used obscene language.
The incident occurred on Carnival Monday at Harris Promenade, San Fernando.
As police prosecutor Ramdath Phillip read the facts of the case yesterday at the San Fernando Magistrates’ Court, Ramkissoon at times appeared surprised.
When arrested, she told WPC Maria Maharaj, of the San Fernando City Police, ’This is Jouvert and I having a good time. I could do what I want and I have nice breasts.’
Ramkissoon opened her mouth wide, then bent and shook her head when this was read. She also reacted when Phillip read that she had made derogatory remarks about Magistrate Alicia Chankar when she was arrested.
Attorney Mewahlal Chatoor denied his client made any such comments against the sitting magistrate. ’Nobody would have known she would have come to court before you,’ Chatoor said.
He produced two newspaper clippings: one of Ramkissoon when she was held on Carnival Monday, and another of an unnamed topless woman covered in body paint.
Of the second picture, Chatoor said, ’All her boobs exposed, she was not charged.’
He said there were many other people who could have been charged for indecent exposure for Carnival. He asked that Ramkissoon be allowed to walk free.
A tearful Ramkissoon apologised for her actions, adding it was not a purposeful act. ’I didn’t know if I was pulling the top up or down. I am very sorry,’ she said.
As Ramkissoon spoke, she constantly placed her hands on her chest.
’Stop touching them. They not going anywhere. We must all be proud of our bodies. You needed to contain yourself,’ the magistrate said.
She fined Ramkissoon $150 for cursing. The money had to be paid immediately or Ramkissoon would serve 15 days’ simple imprisonment.
Ramkissoon was also ordered to perform 240 hours of community service for exposing her breasts. The type of service is to be determined by that department. Should she fail to complete the stipulated time, she will have to return to court for sentencing.
Magistrate Chankar advised, ’Going out there and doing something worthwhile, you will appreciate yourself more. Nobody say you can’t wear your costume, but you must respect yourself as a woman and as a person.’
