soldiers brought before Magistrates' Court for failing to show up for military duty.

Hassan Shakir, of Harvest Lane, Hamilton Parish, pleaded guilty to failing to attend for 35 days of military duty between December 14, 1994 and November 27, 1995; failing to attend an overseas camp which ran from April 22 to May 6; failing to attend a July 1 embodiment for the purpose of internal security and failing to attend an October 22 embodiment for Regimental fitness role exercise.

Kevon Smith pleaded guilty to failing to attend for 34 days of military duty between November 16, 1994 and October 28, 1995.

Crown counsel Mr. Melvin Douglas said Shakir -- who became a private soldier on October 5, 1988 -- failed to show up for his required military duties.

He also noted that Shakir was a persistent offender despite various disciplinary actions taken by the Regiment, including fining him $150 on one occasion and sending him before the Colonel.

Smith -- who entered the Regiment on January 1, 1994 -- was also a persistent offender despite disciplinary actions, including a fine of $120 and 14 days of extra duties.

Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis ordered Smith to pay $800 or spend 80 days in prison.

Shakir told Mr. Francis he was a Moslem and missed some of the military dates for religious reasons.

"The obligations I have as a Moslem conflict with my duties in the Regiment,'' he explained.

Shakir also added that his father was "not present anymore'' and as a Moslem it was his duty to take his place and support the family.

Shakir admitted that the Colonel last year requested a letter from a Moslem minister explaining his situation.

The Regiment received the letter on Thursday, once he was in custody, he added.

Mr. Francis adjourned the case until January 19 so a social inquiry report on Shakir could be prepared.

He released Shakir on $800 bail.