Dear Editor,
It is with dismay that I read the recent statements made by the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Clement Rohee, highlighting the fact that 74 bail petitions had been granted for perceived non-bailable offences. The Honourable Minister expressed his dissatisfaction with the granting of bail for such offences.
The presumption of innocence has always been held sacred in a democratic state. The sentiments expressed by Minister Rohee indicate the fundamental misdirection of the emphasis of government’s policy in focusing on draconian legislation aimed at pre-trial incarceration. Indeed, this misunderstanding has led to the current dilemma in our criminal justice system. There is no emphasis on ensuring a competent prosecution of criminal matters.
The Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecution has been faced with at least 13 resignations within the last few years. Some of the current prosecutors who are among the most recent graduates at the bar, are pitted against the most seasoned defence advocates. The single factor explaining this high turnover of prosecutors within the Chambers of the DPP is the conditions of service, specifically the pittance offered as a salary.
