PM Gonsalves: Judges Weak In Dealing With Crime

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GRENADA – As CARICOM leaders strategize on combating regional crime and violence, one leader is criticizing the judiciary’s approach.

He contends that judges lack sensitivity to current issues, and says he won’t stay silent. And this time, his critique extends beyond The Bahamas.

As the region grapples with crime and violence, St. Vincent and The Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves again blames the judiciary.

At a CARICOM forum, in October, he questioned if Bahamian judges “live on mars” sparking backlash from The Bahamas Bar Association and the Organization of Commonwealth Caribbean Bar Associations.

And this week, at the 47th CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Grenada, Gonsalves avoided specifics but maintained that regional judges need to be tougher.

Gonslaves is a well-known, popular, and influential commonwealth Caribbean leader who practiced law.

While he admits individual rights and feelings have to be respected he believes some judges aren’t sensitive to the times we’re in.

This recent CARICOM session saw discussions taking a regional approach to addressing crime and violence.

Gonsolves says he has shared controversial views with his fellow Caribbean leaders.