AG On Bail: More Aggressive Approach Needed

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – As the conversation of bail reemerges, the topic taking center stage at the Opening of the Legal Year Thursday.

Attorney General Ryan Pinder telling those in attendance that statistics show that of the 77 people charged with murder in 2023, two people were given bail for murder and allegedly reoffended resulting in arrests for another murder in the same year.

He says a more aggressive approach is needed.

On Monday, Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander called for a review of the bail act, suggesting people convicted of murders should not be given bail.

Since then, former attorney general Allyson Maynard-Gibson said the issue isn’t the act but enforcing the laws already on the books.

Bar Association President Kahlil Parker said it’s too easy to say too many people are out on bail.

Chief Justice Sir Ian Winder also weighing in on the hot-button issue during his address to the judiciary.

Winder says the law does not prescribe a two-year requirement before an accused can be admitted to bail for the offense of murder. He said the fact that the police allege that you have committed an offense does not automatically suspend the constitutional right for two years.

But he didn’t stop there. While the carnage on our streets is distressing, he says attributing blame is not the answer.