Security guard admits to ganja possession, remanded to prison

…tells court wife bought it for birthday celebration

A security guard of Laing Avenue, Georgetown was remanded to prison on Tuesday after pleading guilty to cannabis possession before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
Tishawn McKenzie, who appeared visibly shocked at the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence, is now awaiting a probation report before sentencing.
He was charged with possession of 75 grams of cannabis, which was found at his home, on February 6.

During his court appearance, he admitted to the charge but claimed he was taking the fall to protect his wife.
According to the prosecution, McKenzie’s home was searched after police received information linking him to a break-in and robbery at a Chinese supermarket. McKenzie, who is employed by a security service, was reportedly on duty at a location close to the establishment that was burglarised.
Days after the incident, acting on a tip, police searched his residence, where they found a blue haversack containing the cannabis.
During his explanation to the court, McKenzie insisted that the drugs were not intended for sale or distribution but claimed that it was purchased by his wife for her birthday celebration. However, he claimed the party never took place, and the narcotics remained in their home.
When asked why he pleaded guilty, McKenzie stated, “I can’t let my wife suffer, so I gotta take the blame.” He explained that she has five children, and he has three of his own, and he did not want her to face legal consequences.
The Magistrate questioned whether he was aware that possessing cannabis is illegal, to which he responded affirmatively. She also asked if he understood that the charge carried a possible prison sentence rather than just a fine. At that moment, McKenzie appeared visibly shaken and pleaded for leniency.

Magistrate McGusty ordered a probation report before determining her sentencing. The report, which will take two to three weeks to be completed, will assess McKenzie’s background and circumstances to guide the Magistrate’s decision.
Until then, McKenzie has been remanded to prison and is expected to return to court on March 5 for sentencing.
This is not McKenzie’s first brush with the law. Over the years, he has faced multiple charges, including escape from lawful custody, attempted murder, and drug trafficking.
In 2021, McKenzie, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for escaping from police custody. He had been detained at the Ruimveldt Police Station, Georgetown for a pending break and enter and larceny charge, a sexual offence allegation against a tenant, and another break and enter charge related to a neighbour’s house. While in custody, McKenzie reportedly unlocked a padlock and escaped but was later recaptured.
Additionally, he was accused of breaking into a tenant’s home between June 20 and July 6, stealing a gas cylinder valued at $12,000, a gas stove worth $25,000, and a fan worth $9,000. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was denied bail due to a pending sexual assault matter under investigation at the time.
In 2022, McKenzie was remanded on an attempted murder charge after allegedly attacking and wounding Robert Samaroo over a stolen glass door. The prosecution stated that Samaroo had gone to McKenzie’s house on January 19 to retrieve the sliding glass door that McKenzie had allegedly stolen from his grandmother and given to Samaroo for safekeeping.
An argument ensued, during which McKenzie armed himself with a piece of wood and repeatedly struck Samaroo before fleeing the scene. He later admitted to the crime under caution but was denied bail due to the seriousness of the charge.
In 2023, McKenzie was charged with possession of 225 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. He appeared before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where he denied the allegation. The charge stated that on April 25, at Lot 60 Laing Avenue, he had the narcotics in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Despite the charge, McKenzie was granted $20,000 bail.