Britain and Canada are lending assistance to T&T in its war on crime, endorsing, among other things, legislative measures for implementation of the death penalty, an increase in the number of criminal offences that can be tried without a jury and to allow witnesses to testify via video link, or anonymously.Following meetings with representatives of Britain and Canada, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan promised to bring a progressive legislative agenda for 2014 with heavy emphasis on crime-fighting measures.
Crime and improving the criminal justice system were on the agenda when British High Commissioner Arthur Snell and Canadian High Commissioner Gerard Latulippe met Ramlogan to discuss several matters of mutual interest, the AG's Office said. They were accompanied by the director of the Crown Prosecution Service, International Division, Patrick Stevens; specialist prosecutor for the International Division from London, Andrew Stephens; and criminal justice adviser to T&T, Moira Mac David.
A release from the AG's Office said: "The meeting focused on measures to improve the criminal justice system and the administration of justice. A wide range of issues were discussed, including the detection of crime, crime scene investigation, the use of technology in the fight against crime using CCTV cameras, digitalised recording of police statements, the abolition of jury trials and anonymous witnesses."
Ramlogan said legislation which targets problems in the criminal justice system will be tabled in Parliament, including abolition of preliminary inquiries and the giving of evidence via video link or anonymously using one-way screens.He promised to continue the close relationship with the British and Canadian governments to ensure the fight against crime is successful and an efficient, modern and improved criminal justice system becomes a reality.