It was so sad to hear the Finance Minister discuss the set-up of the country’s justice system which allows, as he says, “People to have many different and multiple bites of the cherry.” In the case of the Piarco accused, charges were laid in 2004 and the matter is still stuck in the magistrates courts.
Well then, Mr Finance Minister, what are we going to do about it?
Can I suggest that we declare a constitutional and judicial crisis and form a council of leaders from Government, opposition, judiciary, business and religious groups to find common ground on setting strict time limits for all hearings in every court in T&T?
Even if we end up with some matters being decided too soon, it would be a better situation than the ridiculous spectre of wealthy white-collar criminals making a mockery out of the present system.
Make something happen here, Mr Finance Minister, and when the Chief Justice returns from whatever is his latest foreign sojourn, get him included too.
Gregory Wight,
Maraval