ST GEORGE’S, Grenada: Fingers were beginning to point as the "Grenada 13" judgment was handed down on Wednesday. Some family members said the presiding judge was closely affiliated to the Grenada 13.
In statement released on Wednesday, the government attempted to clear the air on the matter.
The government statement said that, in another attempt to ensure that justice was served, the prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions, filed an affidavit to have the judge removed from the case because of his perceived involvement with the defendants. This application was again rejected by the judiciary, headed by Acting Chief Justice Brian Alleyne.
It added that, in light of the serious nature of this case, Government contracted the services of a highly respected Senior Counsel, Mr Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj to support the DPP on this case. Maharaj was contracted by Government to ensure that the prosecution was strengthened in an effort to ensure that justice was done.
According to the release, government believes that now the case has been decided it must be brought to attention of the public that all of the local lawyers involved in defending the prisoners are known and loud opponents of Government and, indeed, agents of the opposition NDC.
Ruggles Fergusson is President of the Bar and an antagonist for the opposition NDC; Cajeton Hood, is a strong opponent of the Government and Anslem Clouden is also a well known opponent of the Government ,who constantly attacks the Prime Minister.
Also central to the presentation of the case was another strong and vociferous Government opponent, Chester Humphrey.
The Government of Grenada, the release states, would like to make it clear that the Executive and the Judiciary are separate and independent.
The Government has no say and can have no say in the appointment of judges and magistrates
The independence of the judiciary was clearly demonstrated recently when the Government tried to appoint Hugh Wildman as Attorney General and the judiciary rejected his appointment. It must also be noted that the Government had no say in the appointment of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The decisions of judges presiding over cases is also out of the control and influence of the Government. Government does not decide which judge tries which case and Government certainly had no say in the appointment of the judge in this case, said the statement.
The Government says, like the vast majority of Grenadians, it is disappointed by Wednesday's ruling. However, they have accepted the judge's decision and will have to abide by it, as dictated by the laws of the land.
"Like the majority of our law abiding Grenadian citizens, we have to accept this decision and will have to abide by it as dictated by the law of our land. Government would like to express its deep sympathy for the families who lost loved ones in the events of October 1983. We know that many families are grieving tonight, especially those who still do not know the whereabouts of the bodies of their loved ones," the statement said.
The statement ended by saying the Prime Minister will address the nation in the very near future. |
