|
|
|
|
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
 Nassau, Bahamas - Remarks by Senator the Hon. Allyson Maynard Gibson, QC Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs at Workshop on Case Management and Witness Care at Paul Farquharson Conference Centre Police Headquarters Saturday, 25th June, 2016 9am:
Let me start by thanking Mr. Ellison Greenslade, Commissioner of Police, Royal Bahamas Police Force for consenting to host this important workshop on Case Management and Witness Care. At the same-time, I want to convey special thanks to all of you for finding time on a Saturday, to come out and participate in this timely workshop. Your invaluable presence underscores the commitment of everyone in the fight against crime and to make The Bahamas a safer place for all of us, our families, and generations yet unborn. I have no doubt, in my mind, that at this time in our history, we are looking to fight crime effectively and for justice, and our people expect justice and safe communities.
I am happy to inform that we have representatives from the Bar Association, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Correctional Services, the Ministry of National Security, the Department of Social Services, and the Public Hospital Authority. Justice is an inter-sectoral phenomenon. To achieve our vision and the fight against crime, all the sectors must collaborate and communicate effectively, and develop workable strategies. Access to quality and speedy justice is the cornerstone of every democratic society, and Swift Justice is possibly the most powerful deterrent to crime. However, this will elude us unless, there is proper Case Management at all levels and a Witness Care program which puts victims and witnesses at the centre of the criminal justice system.
As Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, I am aware that victims, and witnesses are central to the criminal justice system. Unless they come forward to testify, there will be no justice and indeed SWIFT JUSTICE.
I have therefore made the Witness Care Unit in my office one of my top priorities. Victims and witnesses are often vulnerable, frightened to come forward, and others feel intimidated. My office is determined to ensure that we reach out to our witnesses, attend to their fears, and give them as much information as possible before trial, as the trial progresses, and at the end of each trial. Above all, we will show them love, assuring them of our support and care throughout their entire ordeal.
It is in this vein, Ladies and gentlemen, my office has developed the Road Map for Witness Care. The Road Map highlights the roles and responsibilities of Witness Care Officers; provide a guide for consistency; transparency; and clarity in the way they treat and interact with witnesses. I am determined, and my office is dedicated to ensuring witnesses continue to be treated with love and respect throughout the entire court process.
To my Witness Care Officers, I urge you to always strive to put your best foot forward as you interact with the witnesses. Please familiarize yourself carefully with the contents of the Road Map so that you build and earn the confidence and trust of our witnesses. Remember the critical role you play in Case Management and the criminal justice system as a whole.
The need to support victims and witnesses to enable them to give their 'best evidence' in court is a very real one and it is an area where I want us to continually work on. There are those who may need special measures, be proactive and diligent, and ensure that our witnesses receive the services which they need. I appreciate that all of you know what these special measures are, but allow me to emphasize some of them especially:
● use of screens to ensure that the defendant does not see the witness;
● giving evidence in “camera”, allowing the court room to be cleared of those who do not need to be there while the witness is giving his/her evidence; and
● giving of evidence by video link from a location away from the court room.
The Office of The Attorney-General is committed to build on these measures and move with global developments and international best practices. These will be incorporated in our policy on victims and witnesses which is currently being drafted, in line with the United Nations Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is now my privilege, and greatest pleasure to launch the Road Map for Witness Care Officers with the theme “Love our Witnesses” which has been prepared for Witness Care Officers in the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Legal Affairs.
I wish you a very fruitful and successful workshop
© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
