sm Page 14 January 1989 Cassiar Courier COURT NEWS Court was held in Cassiar on 14 December, 1988, with Judge G.H. Gilmour presiding. DONALD STEWART, charged with impaired driv- ing, failed to appear. A warrant was issued. PETER CALLBREATH, on an appeal of a charge of impaired driving, was set over to 26 April, 1989, provid- ding a judge other than Judge Overend is presiding. KIM HOZACK, charged with arson, break and enter, had the preliminary inquiry set for 2 mischief, February, 1989, on Vancouver Island. BRYAN CARLICK and LYNDON JOHNNY, co- charged with arson, mischief, break and enter, had the preliminary inquiry set over to 22 February, 1989. VINCENT DENNIS, pleaded guilty to a charge of impaired driving. He was sentenced to 14 days, and pro- hibited from driving for a minimum of 6 months. A charge of failing to appear was dropped by the Crown. DANIEL CRISPIN, marijuana for the purpose of trafficking, pleaded guilty to charged with possession of simple possession. He was fined $600. RICHARD WITALA, charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking, pleaded guilty to simple possession. He was fined $1,000 plus one day in jail. VICTOR HENYU pleaded guilty to common as- sault. He was fined $300, put on probation for 18 months, and ordered to attend psychological counselling if recommended and to complete the Crossroads program in Whitehorse, Yukon. VICTOR HENYU, charged with possession of a narcotic, elected trial by judge without jury. Preliminary inquiry was set for 26 April, 1989. AGNES REID and PETER CALLBREATH, co- charged with Victor Henyu, had the preliminary inquiry set over to 26 April, 1989. AHMED DARWICHE, charged with causing a dis— turbance, pleaded guilty. He was granted a conditional discharge, and placed on probation for 4 months. ERNEST DENNIS, charged with break and enter, theft, and mischief, had trial set for February, 1989. LARRY JOHNNY, charged with impaired driving, appeared under the influence, without counsel or witness- es. Trial was set for February 22, 1989. He was released on condition that he turn himself in to the R.C.M.P. in Cassiar at 8 p.m. on 20 February, 1989. WILLIAM JOHNNY, charged with assault causing bodily harm, was remanded in custody to trial in Terrace in January, 1989. At the Court session held on the 26 October, 1988 Adil Bhathena was ordered to write an essay on the con- sequences of his actions. This is the letter written by Mr. Bhathena, which was submitted to the Probation Officer. Cassiar Community Club Cassiar, B.C. Attn: Garry Periard Dear Mr. Periard, I would first of all like to start my letter of apol- ogy by thanking you personally for everything you were able to do for me. You have given me inspiration and have been able to make me hold my head up once more, considering everything I have been through within these past few months. When] arrived in the North for the first time, last year, I had never experienced nature with such extremes, and even with all the problems I had trying to establish myself here and now that it has come time to leave Cassiar so soon, I can honestly say that this place will always have an impact that has taught me a lot about people, and allot about myself. This place will never for- gotten. In this last year, I feel I have been through more different experiences than I have within the last several years, at such extremes, mind you, I do not regret any of this, I have also learned allot about what life is all about, about truth, justice, love, and about making mistakes. As you know I have made a few mistakes. Some more severe than others. My biggest mistake, I feel was getting mar- ried, but how is man suppose to learn about life if he can- not make mistakes. My second big mistake was iccaine my head. By this I mean loosing self control, and I did loose control much before the incident at the bar occurred, but I just did not know what was right or wrong with the problems I was encountering with my wife at the time. I more or less felt like 1 was being treated like a yoyo, this cause me to be very unstable. I was even finding it very difficult to keep a proper frame of mind at work. However, I would like you to know that, in all that has happened in this last little while the most important aspect that I have learned is responsibility towards myself and also maturity. Life is tough enough in this world to survive, and I know now that I do not have to make life any tougher for my- self by being ignorant. Garry, I sincerely apologize for my ignorance and my misbehavior and I can assure you that nothing like this will ever come of me again, here in Cassiar or anywhere for that matter. The headaches are not worth it. Finally, T also would like to request a reply to this letter from you, if it is not of any inconvenience to you. Once again I would like to thank you and also anyone responsible for giving me this second chance in life with having this grow- ing up experience. Neither I nor you will be disappointed. Thank you. Sincerely, Adil. A. Bhathena The mystique of Mexico’s ancient past has ex- Com- cited the imagination of travellers the world over. bine this with the charm of the country’s spectacular ar- ray of beaches and resorts, and the ever-present moder- nizing influence of the west, and Mexico emerges as an ideal vacation destination. With attractions and activities too numerous to mention, Mexico does indeed offer something for everyone. THE WEST COAST Puerto Vallarta was a sleepy Mexican village on the Pacific Ocean up until the filming of John Houston’s film “Night of the Iguana”. One of Mexico’s fastest growing resorts, it still retains much of the charm that first attrac- ted tourists. Set against the Sierra Madre Mountains, about 120 miles from Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta overlooks the shimmering waters of Banderas Bay and its 25 miles of beach- lined coast. The town has cobblestoned streets and pastel- coloured buildings with red tile roofs. Bougainvillea flour- ishes everywhere. ACAPULCO IS NO PLACE FOR PIRATES TODAY The crews of the pirate ships that lurked in the Pacific Ocean near Acapulco, Mexico, would be aston- ished if they could see how the city has changed. What once was a port of trade ships carrying silks and other goods has been transformed into the queen of Mexico’s resorts. Now Acapulco’s fine weather, spectacular beaches, excellent sports facilities and tempting food and nightlife attract millions of visitors every year. On the Mexican Gold Coast, where white spires and domes rise from the jungles of the Santiago Penin- sula, cobblestone paths wind toward the beaches and hide- away coves of Manzanillo Bay. In the Caribbean, Cancun and Cozumel offer warm weather and a full range of watersports, ined ae some of To we soe ees (ee ao a we eS the finest snorkelling and diving to be found anywhere in the world. 3 In the Gulf of Mexico, Veracruz and Tampico of- fer fishing, boating and sailing. The Sea of Cortez, boast- ing such cities as La Paz, Loreto, Los Cabos, has a special appeal to those who seek serious sport fishing and hun- ting. To choose between Mexico’s many charms may prove difficult, but you may be assured that any choice will be enjoyable. Mexico is also filled with archaelogical ruins, and provides visitors with a special insight into the ancient, Mayan civilizaion. Spanish is the national language, however English is readily understood in most places. Driving in Mexico is not a relaxing experience, there are too many folk practising for the next Grand ' Prix, and it is probably best left to the masochist. ak MONTEZUMA’S REVENGE It is sometimes said that the spirit of Montezuma has been upsetting the stomachs of visiting gringos ever since the Spanish conquest, hence some precautions are in order. Only bottled water should be drunk, steer clear of salads, and avoid ice in drinks. Basically, take it easy; the combination of sun, large Mexican meals and alcohol can be dangerous. The tradition of bargaining is still practised throughout Mexico. A key phrase, essential to bargaining success, is “Es lo menos?” meaning “Is this the lowest price?” It is difficult to determine if indeed a true bar- gain has been purchased, but the fun of price haggling is its own special brand of entertainment. a Cassiar Courier January 1989 Page 15 ROAD CREW REJECTS BCGEU Canada’s New SMITHERS - Employees of the Company that took over highways maintenance in this area, many of them share- holders of the company, have voted to decertify the B.C. Government Employees’ Union (BCGEU). In a vote late last month 42 employees of Nechako Northcoast Construction Services voted to end representa- tion by the union, while 24 favoured retaining it. The union had represented the workers when the highways department carried out highways and bridge maintenance itself and the representation had continued when the company formed by the workers won the con- tract. Employees’ spokesman Harry Carnie said the vote, by workers in Smithers, Hazelton, and Meziadin, reflected the new company’s unique nature. “We all (the employees) own a portion of the com- pany. We don’t need the protection of a union. There’s SHOW ADVISOR os DARREW'S GATS AUTHORIZED ARCTCO" ARCTIC CAT" DEALER PArcicoinc. 1983 * Tractemarks ot Arctcc inc hAPPY REW YEAR no animosity towards the union — nothing like that. But it’s kind of like unionizing against yourself. “It'd (having union representation) be like having your wife unionized or something.” Carnie said “‘because the union has to look at the whole picture”, a unionized company might not be as flexible as a non-union company. Although the BCGEU was willing to permit the highways maintenance workers to work a 40 hour week instead of the shorter week union members work, it was unable to compromise on other issues, said Carnie. “Because we own part of the company, we’re wil- ling to compromise on some things so we gain on others. If the union compromises on those things, it has problems dealing with other employers -- precedents are set.” -Reprinted courtesy of The Interior News, Smithers JUSTICE REFORM COMMITTEE REPORTS VICTORIA - “The Report of the Justice Reform Commit- tee is the result of one of the most indepth reviews of our Province’s justice system ever undertaken. Everyone who asked to be heard was heard and the result is a blueprint for reform that is innovative and will carry us into the 21st century.” With these words, Attorney General Bud Smith released the Report of the Justice Reform Committee on December 1, 1988. At a press conference in Victoria, the Attorney en- dorsed the Committee’s belief that “it is people and not procedures that drive the system”, and emphasized the report’s conclusion that the Bench and Bar must provide the necessary leadership and commitment to ensure the justice system serves British Columbians well. “The people of this Province are entitled to a justice system they can understand and afford. A justice system that meets the needs of ordinary citizens and is accessible in all regions of the Province.” The Attorney General also drew attention to “the need for the justice system to engage in an ongoing eval- uation of how well it’s serving the people”, as he commen- ted on a series of recommendations advocating the in- creased use of technology to provide the information re- quired to identify and respond to the changing needs of society. New booklet on Refugee System “Tough new refugee laws in ’89” reads a recent news headline. Reports from South American countries state that the word is out that Canada’s loose refugee sys- tem is being tightened and the “window” into Canada is closing. But, how does the new refugee system work? Over 50,000 refugee claims are clogging the immig- ration system. Clearly, this cannot continue. Starting Jan- uary Ist 1989 the new refugee policy will come into ef- fect. Canada will still accept legitimate refugees, but the system will attempt to process the claims more quickly. Anyone claiming refugee status will appear within a few days before a member of the Refugee Board and an Im- migration Adjudicator at an INITIAL HEARING. If either person believes that there is a basis fora legitimate refugee claim, then within six weeks a Refugee Board will conduct a COMPLETE HEARING on the claim. If neither person at the initial hearing believes that the claim is legitimate, then the refugee claimant will be required to leave Canada. The claimant has the right to appeal this INITIAL HEARING to the Federal Court of Canada, but must wait outside Canada until the appeal comes before the court (under the old system refugee claimants could wait inside Canada until their appeal had been heard by the court - often several years). If the COMPLETE HEARING before the Refugee Board is unsuccessful, then the claimant can start an appeal to the Federal Court of Canada, but in this case may wait in Canada until the appeal has been heard. Canada now also requires that travellers from a number of countries have TRANSIT VISAS before trav- elling though Canada, The purpose of a transit visa is to control the number of people who claim refugee status when they stop in Canada on route to another country. The ‘People’s Law School’ has recently published a new book on immigrating to Canada. In addition to refugee claims, this book discusses how to visit Canada as a tourist, studying in Canada under a student visa, and how to immigrate to Canada. If you want to learn about sponsoring a family member, how entrepreneurs and in- vestors can immigrate to Canada, or how the point system works for regular applicants, then this easy-to-read book will interest you. from the People's Law School Immigrating to Canada Canadian immigration laws can be confusing and complicated. Our easy-to-read booklet can help you to understand how these laws work. This booklet provides answers to important immigration questions: How do you sponsor a family member? Who qualifies as a business immigrant? How does a Refugee Claim work? What to do if an application is unsuccessful? This booklet also discusses how to visit Canada, who will be refused entry into Canada, and how to appeal an immigration decision. It costs $5.00 (plus $.50 postage). If you want to understand the Canadian immigration system then order your copy of Immigration Law today! Send $5.50 for each copy to: The Public Legal Education Society —the people’s law school— #150 - 900 Howe St., Vancouver V6Z-2M4 - 30 - Contact: Brian McRae (688-2565) Date: November 30, 1988