Pierre still on remand in BVI

Sixteen months after a drug bust, Vincentian Glenroy Pierre is still awaiting trial in the British Virgin Islands (BVI).{{more}}

According to an article in the BVI Platinum news, Magistrate Dr Velon John, said there was mediocrity in the system and that the human rights of individuals have to be taken into consideration.

He also cited the matter as an abuse of process.

“I have a problem with mediocrity…And this is an abuse of the process…I have since written to the Governor, Deputy Governor and Commissioner of Police about the attendance of police officers,” the article quoted the magistrate as saying.

The article stated that Magistrate John told Pierre that the system should apologise to him and commented that oftentimes people blame the system, but it’s the people in the system.

He noted that the freedom of individuals is sacred.

The story also said the Magistrate stated that the issue of police officers being absent due to extended vacation is ridiculous.

A date for retrial is now set for February 5.

In October 2012, Pierre and two other persons were caught in the waters off Anegada, BVI with $5.6 million worth of marijuana. The two other men pleaded guilty and are serving their time at Her Majesty’s Prison in the BVI; however, Pierre has maintained his innocence.(KW)