Dear Editor,
I recently learned that the criminal charge for murder against Ms Carolan Lynch was dismissed by the Magistrate for lack of evidence. During an interview which was recently aired on Channel 9, Ms Lynch who was incarcerated for over 8 months maintained her innocence and indicated that she was wrongfully charged for a crime she did not commit.
I have been closely following cases before the court over the past 3 years and am appalled at the high incidence of cases where persons have been wrongfully charged for various offences and placed before the courts without the requisite evidence, only for the charges to be subsequently dismissed. In fact, a number of Attorneys-at-Law and even some Magistrates and Judges have commented on this abominable situation and have criticized the police and the DPP for unprofessional work.
Have the police and the DPP considered the following as a result of their actions?
1. The suffering of these persons and their families emotionally, psychologically and mentally.
2. The embarrassment caused in the eyes of the community.
3. The financial burden concomitant with court cases in Guyana – exorbitant legal fees, bail, travelling etc.
4. Incarceration due to financial difficulties.
5. The cost to the State.
This situation should not be allowed to continue and I join with the silent majority in calling for an urgent enquiry into the lack of professionalism and proper conduct by the police and the DPP.
Yours faithfully,
Dennis Carter
