Guyana needs an acceptable criminal justice system PDF Print E-mail
Monday, 16 July 2012 22:40
OF all the problems facing Guyana, perhaps the most critical is a fairly acceptable criminal justice system. The police, prosecution and courts must all function at the highest possible level to achieve such a system. This will never occur while the parties are squabbling for power and positions for themselves, instead of acting in the best interest of the nation. Surely, no party in its right mind would be against making the justice system better. Unfortunately, too many supporters and others may have too much to lose, for the parties to reform the various aspects of the system.
Crime and corruption retard development and victimise the Guyanese people to a degree that many do not fully realise. Any reforming of the GPF, without changing the existing culture by bringing in outside professionals with strategic policing and investigative expertise will most likely fail. Same input yields same output.

While waiting for high-sounding reforms to take place, why not take a few practical steps to start the reform? Create a new, independent, professional investigative body to handle official corruption and special circumstances such as organised criminal activities involving several persons.

Streamline the court system with special courts, stronger laws and more judges to speed up the system. Strengthen the existing procedures/policies to safeguard evidence, improve prosecutions, and address missing witnesses and multiple postponements. The government must engage the opposition now by proposing practical steps to address the situation and seek their inputs. Guyana needs to "make do" with what is available and not wait for long-term fixes or available funds. Guyanese cannot wait any longer, from either party, for a solution.
 

More Letters