Nov. 6, 2007 — When Richard Baker borrowed a taxi driver’s cellphone to call his wife from the St. Thomas fast ferry terminal Tuesday, she dropped to the floor and couldn’t believe her ears. Her husband was finally out of a Tortola jail.
As happy as the couple is about his release, Deborah Barton said she and Baker are fuming over the terms of the commutation of his nine-month sentence for fishing without a license to the six weeks already served.
According to a report published in BVI News Online, “a certain belligerence that Richard Baker had displayed in court” on Sept. 24 required he issue an apology in order to receive clemency for the sentence imposed after pleading guilty to fishing without a license.
Upon receiving the written apology from Baker, British Virgin Islands Gov. David Pearey commuted Baker’s sentence. He was released from Balsam Ghut prison, put on the fast ferry, and arrived home on St. Thomas Tuesday afternoon, with no notice to family or friends, according to Barton.
“There was absolutely nothing belligerent about our appearance in front of that judge, and for him to have to write an apology is a lie,” said Barton, who was arrested along with her husband, and released after paying a $1,000 fine for entering the B.V.I. illegally. “You usually have to lie to get into prison, but we had to lie to get out.”
B.V.I. authorities could not be reached late Tuesday for comment.
Gov. John deJongh Jr., however, praised the B.V.I. government in a written statement. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude on this granting of clemency for one of our residents," he said.
“His release is symbolic of the cooperative dialogue between our two communities and our shared commitment to working together towards improving the standard and quality of life for all Virgin Islanders."
DeJongh added, however, that he would like to see a change in the B.V.I.’s laws on fishing rights.
“I invite Premier [Ralph] O’Neal and his team to clarify the laws on this issue so that we may work together in putting forward the best cooperative agreements regarding our Virgin Islands waterways, and in service to the rightful protection of all residents in both communities.”
O’Neal is reportedly offering amendments to the law reducing the substantial sentences for illegal recreational fishing. He indicated a willingness to do on Oct. 20 when he visited St. Thomas for U.S.V.I.-B.V.I. Friendship Day.
B.V.I. laws enable fines reportedly as high as $500,000 for illegal fishing. Baker was fined $45,000 and, unable to come up with the money, was sentenced to prison instead. The severity of the fine prompted an outcry, as well as support from the governor, whom Barton praised.
“The governor was really there for us — our governor was really there,” she said.
Barton said she was preparing her husband a special meal Tuesday night. He declined to answer a reporter’s questions, saying he needed time to relax.
Back Talk
Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.
