Dear Editor,
I was summoned as a witness to appear in Court at the Election Fraud Case today (6th March), to be present at the Court at 8:30 a.m. On arrival I was shown to a school bench downstairs by a Police Sergeant (described as a waiting room) who informed me that the Court was not yet open. I noted, as I sat there in increasing discomfort, that the various lawyers involved began rolling in around 9:30am to 10:00am, including the lead defence lawyer, Mr. Nigel Hughes.
There is a long flight of two (2) sets of stairs to get to the Court. Hardly suitable for an elderly person. Having heard nothing further, at about 10:00am I made the effort, climbed the stairs and entered the Court room, which is at least air conditioned and has chairs, to discover that arguments were still proceeding, leading to the eventual postponement by the Magistrate to the 2nd April, 2024.
While in the Court my name was called, and I remarked that I was present in the Court and fed-up for having been made to wait in this fashion at my age. I write this letter to point out that it is utterly disgraceful for the Court to summon anyone, never mind anyone at my age, to be present at 8:30am when the Magistrate and the lawyers involved presume to attend Court much later than the time the witnesses are summoned and, worse, that absolutely no provision is made for elderly persons attending the Court.
I was made to suffer a similar indignity when attending a traffic court case, since last year February, which was not my fault since two (2) cars ran into the back of my car and which, to date, is yet to be settled. It is certainly time that the Chancellor of the Judiciary revisit, in my view, the administration of our Courts in what is supposed to be a civilized country.
Sincerely,
Kit Nascimento
