Opposition leader, Kamla Persad-Bissessar said the recent actions of a Master of the High Court have raised serious concerns about the accountability and effectiveness of our judicial system, particularly in the face of the ongoing violent crime crisis plaguing Trinidad and Tobago.
In a release on Thursday, she said the most recent decision, as reported in the Trinidad Newsday, to grant bail to an accused individual on a charge of possessing a stolen car, despite said individual being on bail for a capital offence of murder, is utterly unacceptable.
“The fact that a man already on bail for murder was granted bail for another serious crime despite objections from the police and prosecution is serious cause for concern. This decision undermines public safety and erodes trust in our judicial system’s ability to hold criminals accountable for their actions,” Persad-Bissessar stated.
“Furthermore, this Master of the Court’s lenient fine of $10,000 imposed on individuals found guilty of possessing marijuana valued at $3.2 million and a high-powered rifle demonstrates a disturbing pattern of disregarding the severity of criminal offences.”
“Such actions send the wrong message to criminals and victims alike, fostering a sense of criminal impunity and fuelling further lawlessness. This Master’s actions contribute to a pervasive lack of accountability within the judicial system and the absence of consequences for criminal behaviour.
Persad-Bissessar is calling upon the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, the Chief Justice, the Commissioner of Police, and the Director of Public Prosecutions to launch an immediate and independent investigation into this Master of the Court’s judicial decisions.
Transparency and accountability are paramount to restoring faith in our justice system and ensuring criminals are held accountable for their actions. The time for action is now, and judicial officers must be responsible for upholding the rule of law and protecting the safety and security of our citizens.