A civil case between claimant Advance Caribbean and defendant Zizian Epiphane continued this week, with the court addressing non-compliance with a previous payment order.
Epiphane, who appeared without legal representation, had been ordered to repay a debt exceeding $5 000 and was instructed to make payments by March 3, 2025, then return to court on March 5 with proof of payment. The case was initially filed in 2022.
When the matter was called on March 5, Epiphane appeared in inappropriate attire, prompting an adjournment to March 12. However, she failed to appear on that date, leading to a bench warrant being issued. The Magistrate warned that she could face contempt charges and potential imprisonment if she did not provide a valid explanation.
At a subsequent hearing, Epiphane claimed she had been present on March 12 but left after waiting until midday without her case being called.
“When I didn’t hear my name, I went to get something to eat, and when I came back, I just left. I didn’t know because I’m not used to these things,” she said.
The Magistrate responded sternly: “The fact that your name was not called between 11 or 12 is not nearly enough reason to just pick up and go. Court runs from 9 to 4:30; your name could be called at any time.
“They should have left you for a full day in the cell so you can learn what it is to spend a full day at court. Court is serious business, it’s not playing dolly house.”
Epiphane explained that she could not pay $500 initially ordered, but made a partial payment of $300 on March 3. She cited a head injury and stated she would resume payments after her next payday.
The court accepted her explanation and ordered her to make monthly payments of $250, starting at the end of April and continuing on the last working day of each month until the debt is settled.
