on Thursday in Magistrates' Court, one of them over the protests of his guardian who complained that only young black males were being targetted.

But Acting Senior Magistrate Edward King told 20-year-old Robert C. Evans' guardian "we have to stop looking in terms of pigmentation'' and "stop laying the blame on the doorstep of other people''.

The guardian, who did not give his name, even offered to pay Evans' $2,450 in traffic fines with pension money he is due when he turns 65 in August.

When Mr. King said the money had to be paid "forthwith'' or by 5 p.m., the man said: "I'm trying my best to keep him (out of trouble and jail) to (age) 21. My grandson was sent to Co-Ed and he's almost ruined. I'm prepared to pay these fines. When I come to court I see only black boys in here and black boys ending up in jail,'' the man continued. "How come Co-Ed is filled with black boys and white ones are riding up and down Collector's Hill until 3 a.m.? "This Island is in a serious situation,'' he added. "White people get off free all the time.'' But a clearly angry Mr. King responded: "Young people have to think before they do these things. He's had since January to pay these fines. I don't care, black or white or purple, or what gender.'' Gesturing at the reporters' bench, he added: "Because I know the eyes of the public are on me looking to see who gets favours. We have to stop looking in terms of pigmentation.

"Go out to Court Street and who do you see? Don't ask me why they are in Co-Ed. Don't ask why it is even full! Who brought them here (before the courts)? Were you not here this morning when I gave a white man a suspended prison sentence?'' Mr. King continued: "As for your grandson, I think I was the one who sent him to corrective training. People have to take responsibility for their own actions. That's when you're a man. Stop laying blame at the doorstep of other people.'' Evans, of Cloverdale Road, Devonshire, was ordered to pay the money or spend up to four months in prison until it is paid.

The same order was given to Charles Burgess, 18, and James Tucker, 24.

Burgess, of Sunset Lane, Pembroke, had failed to pay $1,045 in traffic fines since January 12, only asking for an extension when he was dragged before the court.

Mr. King noted the actual offences dated back to February, 1998, and said: "I don't see why I should change my boss' Mr. (Archibald) Warner's order. Pay the money and you don't have to do the 127 days.'' And "habitual'' fine defaulter Tucker was threatened with 220 days for not paying $1,950 in assorted traffic fines.

Tucker, of Claytown, Hamilton Parish, was told: "You're a habitual fellow.

You have a history of committing these offences and not paying the fine.

"You pay the $1,950 today or tomorrow and you get out,'' Mr. King added.

It is understood all three of the men's fines were paid by the end of business on Thursday.