AG, PM to meet with Chief Justice to discuss court matters arising from SoE

Attorney General Anand Ramlogan told reporters on Tuesday that he and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar will meet with Chief Justice Ivor Archie to discuss administrative measures to deal with new court matters arising out of the State of Emergency.

Ramlogan made the disclosure at the daily media briefing to update citizens on developments relating to the state of Emergency.

He said issues for discussion include a gun court announced on Sunday by the Prime Minister and the possibility of a night court to deal with a backlog of cases. He also suggested that retired magistrates and judges might be able to return to service.

Ramlogan also said the the Human Rights Unit of his office is working to ensure all HR reports are submitted on time.

He also spoke about some other measures under consideration. These include:

• The possible use of a special building as a temporary court facility
• Increased use of video conferencing to allow for the smoother processing of prisoners
• Introduction of several key pieces of legislation, including the abolition of the Preliminary Inquiry Act and a new DNA Act
• Liaising with police and army to ensure any issues of brutality are dealt with; currently there are minimal allegations of brutality

Ramlogan said the government does not plan to release the names of detainees because of the legal implications. He also said Government could consider increasing the ‘hot spot’ areas.