The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibson believes that the success of having seven murders tried in 2015 within one year of charge proves that the legal system can work.

“We are very committed to the concept of Swift Justice because justice delayed is justice denied; it is not right to have murders tried ten years down the road or rapes languishing in the system for 8-10 years,” Mrs Gibson said.

“We want our system to work, and it can work. (We dealt with) seven murders this year within one year of charge; in 2012 there were none,” she noted. “This means the system can work… and citizens have a right to see it consistently working.”

Mrs Gibson explained that Swift Justice, a programme initiated by her ministry, is not just getting a conviction, but it means that accused persons had their case heard in court, that the prosecution was able to present its case within a year, and the victim’s families were able to get closure.

She stressed that it is important that citizens respond and come forward as witnesses and to serve as jurors.

As part of its new thrust, Mrs Gibson said that her office will be calling on witnesses regularly, and not wait a week before the trial.

“We don’t want witnesses to hear about the trial a week before, we will stay in touch with witnesses and this is a new thrust - if you haven’t heard from us, call us.”

“I return calls, I want to know what is happening. I am committed to working for the Bahamian people, and with everybody’s involvement we will see a greater difference,” she said.

On the issue of capital punishment, she indicated that the law relating to capital punishment is on the books and officials are determined that the law will be upheld.

She said a division has been established in the Office of the Attorney General that will deal with capital matters from the moment an accused person is charged, which is when it is determined whether or not capital punishment will be pursued.

“We are determined to keep those matters moving through the system as well because sometimes they get lost even after conviction – appeals and so forth; and so we will keep it moving recognising the pain for families who cannot get closure,” she said.

Mrs Gibson noted that the court must use the technology available to avoid releasing persons on bail who have further charges pending.

“I have asked the court to be much more hands on how they deal with matters. It may well be that another judge gives bail in another matter. The court in this day and age has technology available that enables a judge to get information (about the accused) at the click of the mouse and all we are asking the court to do, is to use it.”

On the matter of crime, she said the crime issue must be addressed because citizens should not be living in fear.

“It (the crime situation) is oppressive,” she said, as she urged people to be vigilant in their communities and report crimes if they are seen.

She said that the law provides protective measures regarding a person’s anonymity and witness protection.

Mrs Gibson said she visited with evangelist Rex Major following the recent home invasion and attack on his family last week.

“I had the opportunity to speak to Rev Major and other members of his family and… I want to say that obviously it is something that concerns all of us as Bahamians,” she said during the opening of the 2016 legal year in Grand Bahama last week.

“I want to add that he told me that it is an opportunity for him to empathise now more with persons who have been impacted the same way he has been impacted. And the assurance I wish to give all who have been impacted, we are determined to make our system work, with the help of God and also with help of citizens,” she said.