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Thursday June 28th 2007, St. George’s:
In light of
the recent events relating to the re sentencing hearing of the so called
“Grenada 13, ” the Government of Grenada would like to make its position clear
on a number of matters.
The Government of Grenada 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 Mr. 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 decision 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.
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 Director of Public Prosecutions on this case. Mr.
Maharaj was contracted by Government to ensure that the prosecution was
strengthened in an effort to ensure that justice was done. In another
attempt to ensure that justice was served the prosecution led by the DPP,
filed an affidavit to have the judge removed from the case because of
his perceived involvement with the defendants. This action was again
rejected by the Judiciary headed by Acting Chief Justice Brian Alleyne.
Government believes that now that 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. Mr. Ruggles
Fergusson is President of the Bar and an antagonist for the Opposition
NDC; Mr. Cajeton Hood, is a strong opponent of the Government and Mr.
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, Mr.
Chester Humphrey
Government like the vast majority of Grenadians is disappointed by
today’s ruling. However, 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 love 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 love
ones.
We therefore call on all Grenadians as a God Fearing people to pray for
the families affected and to pray for peace and continued stability in
our blessed country. We know that many of us may not be able to
understand the reason behind today’s ruling but we ask for God’s
guidance to lift us out of this very troubling time.
The Prime Minister will address the nation in the very near future. |