By Kurt Campbell
The President cited several glaring examples as he made reference to two recent highly debated cases which included the ‘Bourda shooting’ which was captured on tape and the shooter, cricketer Carlyle Barton later walked away from the Court a free man and secondly the case involving businessman Rondy Jagdeo who had a motorcycle waiting outside the Court House the day he was set free, which according to President Ramotar is heart rending and shows possible scheming since in both cases the absence of witnesses were cited.
The Head of State was at the time speaking at the opening of the Police Officers’ Annual Conference and said he hoped this issue will be thoroughly addressed over the next two days.
He observed however that the police must not be totally blamed for these incidents and announced that he has already spoken with his Minister of Legal Affairs to ensure the matter is addressed with the judicial authorities too.
The President told the gathering that it is unacceptable for persons to escape justice because of poor preparedness of cases by Prosecutors, failure to ensure witnesses attend Court, failure to apply for witness summons, discrepancy in evidence and Police Officers failing to attend Court, all of which have been the result of failed prosecutions in recent times.
“We must see improvements and get value for money… we have to put a stop to it,” he sternly warned.
President Ramotar said all disciplined forces and the judiciary must work together to put an end to criminal activities lest it is encouraged and fostered locally.
He committed to ensuring that the Laws of Guyana be followed; training put into use and all expected standards are met.
