Cousins clash after cow eats crops

Two cousins are now the subjects of criminal proceedings in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court, trying to resolve a year-long conflict that started over a cow eating from a vegetable farm.

Devon Ferguson and his younger cousin, David Ferguson, are charged in a case and cross case, which was heard before Senior Parish Judge Lori-Anne Cole-Montaque on Monday. David is charged on an indictment for unlawful wounding, threat and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, while Devon is charged for unlawful wounding.

According to David, the confrontation is rooted in Devon's lack of accountability, as he allowed his cow to roam into his vegetable garden and eat his produce.

"Your Honour, me just want get justice. Him chop me two times in my head, me get chop in my hand and in my back," David related.

"So what justice look like to you? Do you want to be compensated for the crops you lost?" Judge Cole-Montaque probed.

"Yes, Your Honour," David replied, noting that the cost of his damages is estimated to be $400,000.

But the judge indicated that she would "shave something off the figure" that David suggested, as Devon shared with the court that he was not in a position to pay that amount. The agreed compensation is $100,000 and the first payment is to be made on November 15, when the matter is set for mention.

"As my grandmother used to say, try to set things straight in Israel. We are going to fix this matter," the senior judge said.