Security Guard Remanded for Cannabis Possession; Claims to Protect Wife

A security guard from Laing Avenue, Georgetown, has been remanded to prison after pleading guilty to cannabis possession at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. Tishawn McKenzie appeared visibly shocked by the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence and is now awaiting a probation report before his sentencing.

McKenzie was charged with possessing 75 grams of cannabis, which was discovered in 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, a search of McKenzie’s home was conducted following police intelligence linking him to a break-in and robbery at a nearby Chinese supermarket. At the time, McKenzie was employed as a security guard and was on duty near the establishment that was burglarized. After receiving a tip, police searched his residence and found a blue haversack containing the cannabis.

In his explanation to the court, McKenzie insisted that the drugs were not meant for sale or distribution, arguing that they were bought by his wife for her birthday celebration. However, he claimed that the party never occurred, and the narcotics remained in their home. When asked why he pleaded guilty, he stated, “I can’t let my wife suffer, so I gotta take the blame.” He elaborated that his wife has five children while he has three of his own, and he did not want her to face legal repercussions.

The Magistrate, Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, questioned McKenzie about his awareness of the legality of cannabis possession, to which he responded affirmatively. She also clarified that the charge could lead to a prison sentence rather than just a fine. At this point, McKenzie appeared shaken and pleaded for leniency.

Magistrate McGusty ordered a probation report, which is expected to take two to three weeks to complete, in order to assess McKenzie’s background and circumstances ahead of sentencing. Until then, McKenzie has been remanded to prison and is scheduled to return to court on March 5.

This incident is not McKenzie’s first encounter with the law. He has faced multiple charges over the years, including escape from lawful custody, attempted murder, and drug trafficking. In 2021, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison for escaping from police custody while being held for various charges, including a sexual offence allegation. He had reportedly unlocked a padlock and escaped but was later recaptured.

Additionally, McKenzie was accused of breaking into a tenant’s home and stealing a gas cylinder, stove, and fan. He pleaded not guilty and was denied bail due to a pending sexual assault investigation at that time.

In 2022, he was remanded on an attempted murder charge after allegedly attacking Robert Samaroo over a stolen sliding glass door. The prosecution claimed that McKenzie armed himself and repeatedly struck Samaroo during an argument before fleeing the scene. He later admitted to the crime but was denied bail due to the severity of the charge.

In 2023, McKenzie faced additional charges for possessing 225 grams of cannabis with intent to traffic. He denied the allegation in court but was granted $20,000 bail despite the charge.