Chief Justice: “We Will Not Be Intimidated”

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Do Bahamian judges live on Mars? That question was recently asked by the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and The Grenadines as regional leaders of the Caribbean Judicial System. 

The Chief Justice is hitting back saying Bahamian judges will not be intimidated. 

Days after a top CARICOM member questioned if Bahamian judges live on mars, Chief Justice Sir Ian Winder is defending the judiciary. 

St. Vincent and The Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves asked the question while contributing to a CARICOM round table discussion and this was the chief jutice’s response.

Gonsalves made the comments while at a round table that Prime Minister Philip Davis also attended, Prime Minister Gonsalves said there needs to be a discussion about the judiciary when attempting to tackle the wave of violence seen across the caribbean.  

He questioned how someone who is charged with murder is granted bail. 

Winder says judges are a part of the same communities as to other residents.

Speaking generally about judges in the region, Gonsalves said too many judges and magistrates are too soft.

In January, Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said most individuals charged with murder last year are already on bail. 

Winder referred to a recent Privy Council ruling regarding bail.