Winston Anderson, the head of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Academy for Law, Justice, strongly criticized the prolonged detention of individuals before trial, commonly known as remand.
Speaking at the 7th Biennial Law Conference held at the Hilton Barbados, Anderson underscored the imperative for substantial reforms within the criminal justice system. He condemned the unjust deprivation of liberty endured by those accused of crimes, often lasting from five to fifteen years or more under the guise of remand, emphasizing that such elements of the legal system were intolerable.
Anderson emphasized the need for a more expeditious dispensation of justice for the guilty, aligning punishments with the public’s perception of crime. Moreover, he highlighted the significance of safeguarding the innocent from the loss of their freedom and productive years due to inefficiencies and indifference within the system.
Amidst the surge in criminal activities across the Caribbean, Anderson, who also co-chaired the conference, stressed the pressing need to establish an efficient system that would guarantee genuine justice.
Concurring with the necessity for an efficient system, Adrian Saunders, the President of the CCJ, emphasized the importance of improved coordination among the various components of the justice system. He stressed the significance of collaboration and mutual understanding among law enforcement, correctional facilities, legal practitioners, judicial bodies, legislative institutions, executive branches, probation services, and welfare departments, underlining the critical role of effective coordination in ensuring the optimal functioning of the entire justice system.