The Tribune

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

CHIEF Justice Sir Ian Winder has called for a comprehensive strategy to address the ongoing cycle of retaliatory killings, urging all sectors to collaborate in finding effective crime solutions while emphasising that the “finger-pointing is very unhelpful”.

His comments came after Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander renewed his call for stricter bail conditions in murder cases following Monday’s deadly shooting in the Fox Hill area.

Yesterday, Sir Ian said that tackling crime requires a holistic solution and should not focus solely on the issue of bail, which he said is a constitutional right.

He emphasised the need for a collaborative approach, saying: “At the end of the year, when the crime numbers start to tally, this Spector of people on bail comes to light. Each year, we hear it, but the solution has to be collaborative, where we all take steps to resolve the challenges that we have as a society.” 

“It’s a wholistic solution and not just focusing on this question of bail which a constitutional right and in recent times, I think you’ve seen a reform of the bail system which I think is also having some impact so I think the resort to bail is not the right approach and the finger pointing again is very unhelpful.”

His call for collaborative action comes amid renewed concern about retaliatory killings after police said that the victims in Monday’s shooting were bystanders caught in an attack aimed at a man out on bail for murder.

According to Commissioner Fernander, approximately 178 people are on bail for murder.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Philip Davis acknowledged the challenges of managing over 170 individuals on bail for serious crimes, particularly as new cases continue to emerge. He warned that it could take up to a decade to clear the country’s backlog of murder trials.

Mr Davis added that while his administration has taken steps to speed up trial proceedings, these changes will not yield immediate results.

“Change takes time to take root,” he said.

Earlier this year, the Davis administration introduced the Trial by Judge Alone Act, allowing defendants to waive their right to a jury trial in favour of a bench trial.

However, some defence lawyers said it is unlikely defendants will pursue this option. 

The administration has also amended the Supreme Court Act to increase the number of judges from 20 to 25, aiming to enhance the court’s capacity.