A brief visit to two of Georgetown’s Magistrates Courts was enough to re-trigger my years-long consideration of local administrators of legal justice in our homeland.
Over decades this working-people’s column, pondered upon such themes as “the supermarket and paraphernalia of justice” and about Guyana’s judiciary being “in a world of its own.”
I have always wondered why either the Attorney-General/Legal Affairs Minister or the Chancellor of the Judiciary never responds to those (past) US State Department Country Reports which would routinely- and annually – lambaste Guyana’s “justice system” as being understaffed, unreliable and “designed to delay or subvert” that which it is mandated to dispense. For do you realise that besides incompetent government, flawed socio-economic policies and crooked politicians, an inept and/or compromised magistracy and judiciary could do extremely well in undermining the law and order our democracy is built on?
Incidentally, as an informed and concerned layman-citizen, I try to appreciate that, hinged on British judicial traditions, our attorneys do not advertise overtly; our magistrates and judges do not respond to (the numerous) criticisms being hurled. Often justifiably.
So should we not be hearing much more from our Chancellor, Attorney General, Director of Public Prosecutions. Chief Magistrate and Bar Association? To educate us on elements of the justice system here?
Justice – for some?
“Justice for all” which many democratic societies proclaim is often submerged by justice for some.
Justice actually has to do with fairness and righteousness, at its core. In law it means administering what is just based on fact, reason and what society and/or legislation deem right and fair.
Our updated Magistrates Court building still boasts poor acoustics, creaking doors, limited space and magistrates writing long-hand like I do. I swear that within and without those courtrooms certain documents disappear, witnesses don’t show or can be hapless -and shrewd defence attorneys outdo “green” police prosecutors. The Americans have “plea bargaining” – wherein the accused can “sing”, get reduced sentences, even turn State Witness as major suspects are captured and prosecuted. But here in good old justice-challenged G.T. drug barons, the nouveau riche, the politically-connected can cause file jackets to disappear; witnesses to change their mind or story and even police prosecutions to be “influenced”.
Overseas sources are funding varied programmes to upgrade the local justice system, I read. I suggest a forum for the Attorney General, Chancellor and Bar Association to update media and all of us about the challenges and corrective measures present.
The drugs in the heartland
I think it was the Sunday Stabroek of the 5th June last which reported that a `Guyanese woman who swallowed cocaine pellets was sentenced in New York to time served’.
Yet another Guyanese courier got past Timehri but was nabbed at New York’s JFK. Nikita was not extremely needy here and had no previous criminal history.
Even that, the US prosecutor argued, “did not remove the case from the heartland of drugs importation cases.” At first reading I was perturbed – thinking that he was describing my Guyana as a “heartland” – a hub of illegal narcotics. But a second reading suggested what he said – the heartland of drug-importation into his USA.
But friends, is this greenland not a kind of “heartland” now? Our cocaine notoriety is on show for the world – its airports, seaports, land-ports – to see. This Tuesday’s media tended to sicken me. Numerous cocaine–related, Guyana-related cases. Including a record-breaking (£512M) “unprecedented” amount smuggled into Scotland!
Even as I tire, I can only repeat the view that the arrival, retrieval and trans-shipment of cocaine here is an industry managed by those with the relevant wherewithal and personnel. Why there was even a local report of “courier-recruiters” being charged. We now boast (?) a full-fledged cocaine economic sector!
A terrorist in the club
The USA, apparently, once manipulated governments in the Middle East. Then there was/is American investments there- Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iran, Iraq etc. Depending on which group is elected, is in power, or offended, U.S. foreign policy is shaped to suit the flow. When New York’s Twin Towers were being flattened Egyptian Generals were in another part of the U.S for training!
The vacuums left by overthrown dictators in the Middle East were filled by hateful groups who had vengeance in their hearts for the U.S. for varying reasons.
Immigrants, refugees sought safety in flight to Europe and America. The most evil won’t ever integrate or become “acculturated” to the host- countries’ way of life and laws. The Afghan- descended “American” who massacred 49 Latin American citizens, blended in to his New York and Florida environments but he was American by birth only. Radicalised, he hated the land his parents sought refuge in.
He was free to buy guns, given the constitution and the Bill of Rights and Freedoms. I fear the Middle Eastern Terrorist Organisations will influence more cosmetic “Americans” to cause more terror still. Watch it, you Guyanese Americans resident there.
So much to ponder…
Whatever happened to that trial involving the Muslim teacher who allegedly sexually assaulted young fellows in Sophia, Georgetown?
Heartening! Policemen receiving house lots in Berbice! As necessary as salary increases but they must be made to serve for a specific period after acquiring the land.
Georgetown Municipality is inviting bids and proposals for the supply of a range of services and equipment. Who will succeed?
Me, once more: Convert the old co-op bank by Stabroek into a modern vendors arcade.
`Til next week!
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