PR, Dougan, Cummings and the Death Penalty

15.AUG.08

Editor: I think 99.9 per cent of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are in support of the death penalty. I got that impression when lawyer Williams shot a young lady in front the Police Headquarters. He was convicted for the crime and was given five years. I didn’t hear Parnel Campbell Q.C., Carlyle Dougan Q.C. or Andrew Cummings Q.C. condemn Mr. Williams when he committed that serious crime outside the Police Station.{{more}}

All of a sudden they are calling for the death penalty because Bertram “Bolo” Stapleton was killed by someone using a gun. Without knowing what happened, the person is guilty by these QC’s standard. It is said one is innocent until proven guilty by our law and the law is for the rich and poor. I am wondering who’s fooling whom? Is anyone on death row here? PR QC is saying that the death penalty has been put to sleep in the Caribbean. The question is: Why? Does the European Union have any influence on whether or not the death penalty becomes active in the Caribbean?

I think the issue of death penalty is still on our law books. So, why we are being misled about death penalty by persons who know better? It’s time for persons to stop telling us what they think we want to hear. Let me remind Andrew Cummings Q.C. that I agree with him about lawyers applying integrity to their profession. Don’t worry about security. once you lawyers do the right thing, then there is no need to worry.

There is a need for us to pay special attention to crime and criminal activities in this country. that’s why I think policing of our country needs better leadership from the Police Commissioner Keith Miller. I heard Mr. Keith Miller make a statement about his policemen, which I found quite strange. I thought it was uncalled for. Let’s start with Mr. Miller. Lead from the front. that’s what leadership is about.

Some time ago I heard Justice Bruce Lyle complaining about security at the High Court. I have been listening with interest, but I am not hearing Justice Bruce Lyle complain anymore. Now I know why!

At the special sitting of the High Court on Wednesday. July 30th, P.M. Gonsalves spoke about the improved security for Judges and Magistrates, so all things seem right with the personal security for Judges and Magistrates. What about security at the Court House? P.M. Gonsalves, who once practiced law, was one of the best in my opinion. I think he’s still a member of the legal fraternity as Minister of Legal Affairs. I am wondering what he thinks about the lawyers who say they’re under threat? Remember the Police Commissioner said if the information about someone in the building where the lawyer was killed got to them, he might have been alive today. So when someone reports a threat, it must be investigated and dealt with impartially.

Kingsley DeFreitas