Sr Magistrate Tamia N. Richards blasts former DPP
Ms Richards noted too that the Magistrate’s Courts, which continue to be treated as the ‘Step Child’ in the judicial system of the Virgin Islands, have many issues that need to be addressed urgently.
Wayne L. Rajbansie put on blast
Before highlighting some of those issues, Ms Richards called on Ms Hollis to lead from the front as she noted that she could count on her one hand the number of times she saw former DPP Mr Wayne L. Rajbansie.
“We hope to see her regularly… I can count on my one hand the number of occasions I saw her predecessor so I hope to see her very often and I would advise her to lead her team from the front.”
Ms Hollis was appointed to the office of the DDP on August 29, 2016 and in this capacity, she will institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any civil court in respect of any offence against any law in force in the Virgin Islands. Additionally, she will provide written legal advice to Commissions, Government Ministries and Departments, as well as attend meetings to provide immediate oral advice on legal matters as required, in order to provide timely and professional information.
Her other responsibilities will include liaising with the Governor, Commissioner of Police and other institutions on criminal matters, and managing all summary court, High Court, Court of Appeal and Privy Council matters.
Wayne L. Rajbansie’s contract was not renewed
The contract of Trinidad and Tobago national Wayne L. Rajbansie was not renewed after four years on the job as DPP and he left the territory in August having started working in the VI in August of 2012. There were conflicting reports as to whether he had any interest in a contract renewal, or if the Government wanted him gone.
His four year tenue in the Virgin Islands (VI) has been mixed, with wins of some high profiled cases, as well as some losses.
It was a low point for Mr Rajbansie and his Office when on Friday July 24, 2015 some six media houses in the VI were summoned by him to appear before the criminal court with charges and complaints unknown.
Many in the legal fraternity, civil society, the political class and the media labeled his actions, as abuse of power. It was also unfortunate that during his rant in court on the same day, he singled out Virgin Islands News Online; however, Mr Rajbansie could not explain the reason in court for such reckless attack.
Security concerns
Moving on to highlight a number of concerns, Ms Richards said there are persons who attend the Magistrate’s Court and would get wet when it rains because there are no facilities in the compound. “And I wonder where all our facilities have gone.”
Ms Richards also raised the issues of salaries and increments for workers in the magistracy.
On the concern of security, Senior Magistrate Richards said the last Law Year was an interesting one as she alluded to two incidents that occurred at her court. On one occasion a person went to the court armed with a gun and the other was where a police officer was assaulted on the premises of the Magistrate’s Court.
“So I would just ask another question, I wouldn’t answer it. Does the court’s work environment provide one that is safe for workers, members of the bar and the public alike? I would leave it to you, I hate to be the bearer of bad news.”
Among the many lawyers and others of high standing in the society were Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE, and a number of students of the Elmore Stoutt High School who were told by Ms Richards that they are the possible future of the judicial system of the Virgin Islands.
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30 Responses to “Sr Magistrate Tamia N. Richards blasts former DPP”
Anything to do with paternal d***ing?
He was informed of all that what was mentioned and more. That is no new news.. Our Magistrate is doing a dam excellent job. She is there to protect and keep Law and order. You all just relax and keep off her. Lets us be real.....