Seetahal applauds DPP for his ‘independence’

Senior Counsel Dana Seetahal has applauded Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard for upholding the independence of the office of the DPP. Seetahal was commenting on a nine-page statement on the proclamation of Section 34 of the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act 2011 that Gaspard issued late Tuesday night. Saying Gaspard was looking after the country’s interest, Seetahal added, “I thought the statement was an excellent statement. I have to applaud the statement of the DPP. It shows the independence of the office and it is in line with the three former DPPs.” She added it was also an indication that the DPP’s office was also growing from strength to strength.

 

Seetahal said she had read Gaspard’s statement and the timeline was significant. “The timeline is very instructive...the fact that the amendment in Parliament was meant to cover offences that were ten years old from the date of commission, rather than the date of charge,” she said. Seetahal said Gaspard’s statement was also a clear indication that the DPP’s office was independent of politicians, specifically the Attorney General and the Justice Minister. PNM Senator Faris Al-Rawi, who had also read Gaspard’s statement, said it was in keeping with the views of his party. “The burning question, which the Government must answer in clear and unambiguous terms, is why was this act particularly was proclaimed on Independence Day, particularly in view of the various processes of litigation concerning the Piarco Airport scandal.