Within the last two years, the world has had two pivotal moments: the arrival of Covid-19 and the development of the vaccine. The virus started small but has taken lives and wrecked economies, changing the way we live forever. Even though ‘Operation Warp Speed’ delivered vaccines way ahead of schedule …
Read More »Judiciary: Guardian report on ‘correction’ to Kangaloo report could undermine courts
“[…] As any seasoned attorney would know, however, this is of the nature of errors for which provision is made in the rules for simple correction by the Registrar. This was done. “[…] To suggest any nefarious intent or conspiracy is to seek to undermine the independence of the judiciary …
Read More »Khan SC: It’s 100 times more likely a guilty person will be freed than an innocent convicted in T&T
“[…] We subscribe to a criminal justice system which is fair though not infallible. What the abolitionists must bear in mind is that if a man is really innocent, it is better that he be executed than be incarcerated for life; for that man—knowing he is innocent—would live a life …
Read More »How Evidence (Amendment) Bill can transform TTPS by overhauling suspect interview process
Change is needed. Whether they are the right changes, fast changes or far enough changes, will always be a matter for debate. However, what is certain is that the criminal justice system needs reform. And while it may be convenient to ascribe blame on one component of this integral system, …
Read More »PCA investigate death of Andrea murder suspects, TTPS court absences and DSS arrest
The following press statement was issued by the Police Complaints Authority (PCA): The Police Complaints Authority (PCA) has initiated investigations into three recent and serious allegations against the Trinidad and Tobago Police. 1. An investigation has begun into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, of Andrew Morris and Joel Belcon on …
Read More »Dear CJ: ‘[Your] unwarranted statements reflect negatively on my competence as a judge’; Gobin on Fifa ruling
“[…] I am sure that I do not need to remind you chief justice that there is more to the management of cases than fixing timetables. First instance judges often have to remind litigants and lawyers of the significance of what we do. “A judge who refuses to defer to …
Read More »‘Spectacularly disingenuous and misleading!’ DPP response to Chief Justice’s criticisms
“[…] The Judiciary’s decision [concerning the filing of indictments by the Office of the DPP], taken unilaterally and without any prior warning or timely communication, to renege on the agreement which had been arrived at in good faith and which it was sought to maintain equity and fairness in the …
Read More »Noble: ‘Disruption or disturbance?’ T&T appears trapped inside perfect storm
What a horrendous week! On Friday 18th, Dr Terrence Farrell, discussing the future of our economy, pointed to the need for disruption in the way the country’s business is done—using as an example BP’s strategic pivot (‘bold, fraught with uncertainty, risky but highly socially responsible’). He asked us a most …
Read More »AG hails virtual courts, electronic tagging but mum on costs, Deyalsingh says Facebook acct hacked
Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi hailed an imminent judicial milestone for Trinidad and Tobago today as he said that virtual courtrooms are here to stay and will be the default method for ‘judge alone trials, bail hearings, remand sentences and charge matters’. The aforementioned legal matters, according to Al-Rawi, take up …
Read More »Health ministry reveals Covid-19 map data, 388 prisoners proposed for release
“Today marks an inflection point, a turning point, with how we treat with Covid-19,” said Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh at today’s press conference. “If we as a society heed the warnings of the prime minister, the minister of health, the chief medical officer, the commissioner of police, civil society; and …
Read More »Update: No State of Emergency, prison population reduction and 1,000 tests per day
“If I have a problem, as a public officer and prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, it has to be that I have this confidence,” said Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, “that the vast majority of our people are right thinking and reasonable people and will understand—once they are informed …
Read More »Dear Editor: Erosion of bail rights for gun possession could be first step on slippery slope
“People never seem to think that a breach of the rights of even one individual, means that that breach can apply to all. It is why the judiciary so staunchly defends the rights of even the most depraved of society…” The following Letter to the Editor on proposed amendments to …
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