– JSC mulls demotion
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is yet to reach a decision on the fate of Magistrate Gordon Gilhuys, who has been off the bench for almost two months since being involved in a shooting incident with a member of the police force.
A source told Stabroek News that the JSC is leaning towards demoting Gilhuys, reportedly to the deputy registrar’s office at the Supreme Court Registry. The move is said to have been proposed because of concerns about how Gilhuys’ return to the magistracy would affect the image of judiciary. The source added that another major consideration is the backlog of cases that Gilhuys has left. There are disagreements about whether Gilhuys should be allowed to return to the bench to finish outstanding cases or whether they should be transferred to another magistrate.
Director of Public Prosecution Shalimar Ali-Hack has recommended that no charges be laid against Gilhuys, owing to deficient police statements on the incident.
On June 26, Corporal Mark George and his colleagues were on patrol on Woolford Avenue when they noticed a vehicle with tinted windows parked on the roadway. The policemen made checks and an argument ensued between them and the driver, who was later identified as Gilhuys. It is claimed that the magistrate opened fire, and an exchange ensued during which George was hit. Gilhuys has maintained that he was fired upon first and that he returned fire.
Pending the investigation into the matter, Gilhuys proceeded on annual leave.
Stabroek News has been told that the DPP’s review of the case is likely to carry some weight in the JSC deliberations.
