Caribbean Net News: Trinidad government seeks to introduce witness protection and new hearsay evidence rule

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: The Trinidad and Tobago Government is moving to provide increased protection for witnesses and persons who are required to give evidence in criminal court proceedings. It is also seeking to make hearsay evidence admissible in court.

The move came on Tuesday as Trinidad and Tobago's Attorney, John Jeremie presented The Evidence Amendment Bill 2006 in the Senate, seeking opposition support.

According to Attorney General Jeremi,e the move regarding hearsay evidence was another way of government dealing with spiraling crime in the country.

He drew from countries such as the United States, the UK and Jamaica where he said similar legislation was already in place for protecting victims. The AG read from a number of cases heard outside of Trinidad, pressing his point saying that Trinidad and Tobago was not alone regarding the "hearsay law".

This did not, however, meet with approval by the opposition, which felt government was attempting to erode the constitutional rights of citizens.

The debate in the Senate continues throughout this week.

Jeremie also assured that other pieces of legislation dealing with the Breathalyzer and DNA Act were already in the lower house of the Parliament. These he said are aimed at improving the police service and crime protection.

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