BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, CMC—The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Adlai Smith, says. At the same time, he welcomes the government’s move to enact stricter legislation to curb criminal activities in St. Kitts-Nevis. Society still needs to play a bigger role in dealing with crime.
The government has, in recent months, passed legislation allowing for stiffer penalties for possession and the use of illegal firearms, as well as crimes against the person, which covers shooting and non-shooting incidences.
But speaking on the radio and television program “Focus,” Smith said. At the same time, he welcomed the changes as they fall under the umbrella of criminal justice reform. He is urging citizens to step forward to help law enforcement.
“Parliament can pass all the laws it wants, but unless the citizenry of the country come forward and take part in the justice process, it will be all for naught,” Smith said.
He said the twin island Federation’s motto is “Country Above Self,” describing it as “one of the best mottos in the world.” He also said that people should put the national interest first to achieve a country with peace and security.
“If you see something wrong being done out there and you say nothing, you are just as guilty as the perpetrators,” Smith said.
The DPP recalled a recent case where a person was caught on camera doing an illegal act. His face was partially covered. However, two individuals could provide an identification.
One of the witnesses said they could not identify the perpetrator, while another refused to cooperate. The prosecutor subsequently withdrew the case. Months later, the same perpetrator was booked and charged for rape on a separate charge.
“When you fail to act to see justice being done, you are putting the rest of the citizenry at risk. “Country Above Self” must be something more than you stick on your shirt, on the wall, or over the judge’s head in court,” Smith told the program.
Attorney General Garth Wilkin said that new policies and laws will help to encourage persons to give evidence.
He said the new Justice Interference Prevention Act is one such measure. It prescribes charges that can be filed against anyone seeking to bribe, tamper with, or intimidate witnesses, jurors, judges, or court officials.
A witness protection network is also being developed with regional and international partners to encourage persons to give evidence where necessary in keeping with their civic duties.
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