QC says Bajan court system `dysfunctional’

(Barbados Nation) Calling the court system “dysfunctional”, a Queen’s Counsel has expressed concern about the high number of cases awaiting judicial decisions.

Alair Shepherd, who is awaiting decisions in about six matters, one of which dates back to 2002 and involves Cuban Immigration detainee Raul Garcia, told the SUNDAY SUN that the situation was “disgraceful”.

“It is shocking. The Bar has had a number of meetings with the Bench. This has been an issue since Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson came into office over a year ago and there has been no improvement,” he said.

“It seems to me that the judges will only take these matters seriously if it comes to the attention of the public and the public understands how disgraceful the situation is.”

Shepherd provided a list with 55 outstanding cases, some dating back to 2002. But he charged that there were other cases awaiting decisions which were not on the list.