Well done, Mr. Tokunbo

March 2, 2003

Dear Sir:

There has been much talk by politicians lately concerning the criminal justice system in Bermuda. As it goes with many politicians, much of this talk appears to be driven by personal agendas rather than for the good of the Bermuda community.

Without a doubt there has been an increasing and disturbing level of crime in Bermuda to which all residents have been unaccustomed and are rightly concerned about. With such an increased level of crime, it follows that there will be a directly proportionate level of criminal cases that will require prosecution.

As a person who has observed court cases and parliamentary debates locally and overseas in order to monitor and represent my own interests, it is clear that Bermuda possesses a highly competent and determined arsenal of prosecutors - the majority of whom appear to be Bermudian. Given Bermuda's past, that is an accomplishment in itself.

Worldwide, it often interests me that we hear little praise for prosecutors when they "win" their cases, but, where politically expedient, we are quick to hear if they "lose". I would have to agree with Bermuda's Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Khamisi Tokunbo, and others who are beginning to speak out, that the role of the prosecutor is to present the facts and administer justice. Prosecutors do not have the complete and final say in reaching the verdict, although we do expect that they be competent and persuasive in justly presenting cases in order to achieve their results. There is no evidence that members of the DPP's office are not competent or transparent - quite the contrary. If we were seeing a pattern of cases being actually botched by prosecutors, then I would be concerned, but that has not been the case in Bermuda.

In any judicial system, criminal or otherwise, care must be taken to focus on justice rather than "winning", when seeking convictions. When there is pressure to win cases, then there is clear invitation for abuses of power, violations of individual and human rights, a forgoing of proper legal procedures and processes, and any of various forms of corruption within the judicial system - one of the very systems which exists to protect and serve the public. Bermuda should be very proud of its judicial system for its commitment to focus on justice and fairness to all.

This is a sophisticated and increasingly cosmopolitan country that has high standards and compares favourably when matched against other jurisdictions which are the subject of international monitoring because of their determination to win at all costs, thereby flouting even the most basic human rights and judicial standards. Because of the political pressures within some countries, some cases do not even get to the stage of prosecution because the presumption of innocence until proven guilty is virtually non-existent.

It is disappointing that Opposition MP Trevor Moniz has chosen to taint his role as president of the Bermuda Bar Council by unjustly attacking a senior civil servant and his department so relentlessly without genuine evidence. I do not know how the prosecutors feel about this, but I think it is a definite affront to them to have someone in his position attack the strength of their abilities. If politics is a substitute for violence, as is often said, then that must be a searing slap in the face to these fine lawyers of Bermuda. Already, I have come across many members of the public who have expressed concern about what they are calling irresponsible and demoralising comments by Mr. Moniz.

Whatever the case, it is most encouraging to see that the current Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Tokunbo, has been determined to do his job "without fear or favour" - particularly amid self-serving politicians - because that is the kind of fearless and impartial leadership that is necessary to justly and competently lead the DPP's office and other departments throughout the civil service of any country. Well done, Mr. Tokunbo!

HC

Southampton

Start changing the rules

February 20, 2003

Dear Sir,

I feel compelled to voice my opinions on a number of subjects concerning the increasing deterioration of our quality of life, and the relationship we have with the USA. There are few if any consequences for bad behaviour in Bermuda. From rude and `smart' ? ten year olds to teens out late stabbing, torturing or just intimidating, when the consequences are worn as a badge of honour or simply ? at, what do we expect?

I dare anyone over fifty to tell us life has not progressively worsened and become tense and violent over their lifetime. It follows that it will risen still. Theft is epidemic, ask any business owner. Road rage follows even slight fender benders. We come home at night to what we consider our sanctuary of peace only to find the drugged and lazy have been by to take away the last bastion of security. We have spent millions upon millions locking doors, windows, cars, bikes, boats, installing safe's, cameras, two way mirrors and roll shutters. You all know what each of you go through, day after day, to stop these people taking your hard earned possessions.

You also will hear, day after day, that the answer to our society being held prisoner is to `talk to them', find out what makes them do it, counsel them. Spend millions more on treating their drug `problem'. that so called `problem' is used as the excuse for rape, robbery, assault, theft, under and so on. Who are the victims? You and I, the taxpayers. Who uses your taxes to help fun their own security? That's right, the government can spend your tax payments to guarantee their safety but not ours!

Our Police force is undermanned and hog tied by those who think that violence is best dealt with by treatment centres, free meals, TV magazines and a break from employment. There are ten more violent offenders waiting right behind the one you successfully prosecute and get off the street. Answers? Well let's start with changing the rules for our little island to suit our needs. You go to prison, you work. You help pay back the victims, the court system, and the society who is footing the whole bill in the first place.

If you are under 18, your parents are held legally responsible. Who else are you going to blame, the society? Slavery? White people? The cost of living? Ask yourself, why aren't we all doing this, why is it only a small section terrorising the majority?

Curfews! Why are 14-year-olds out at Ice Queen at 3 a.m.? Who are the parents and why are they allowing it.

Vandals and thugs, especially those ruining Bermuda's World Heritage site should be made to wear bright orange or pink overalls and clean the town square, daily. You think they would be so taught again? Of course none of this means much if we can't even get a prosecution in the first place, or have the Police even turn up to catch them.

BULL BY THE HORN

St. George's

Give youth a real chance

March 3, 2003

Dear Sir,

I would like to commend Ms. Williams on her letter dated February 20, 2003: "Give them a career."

I totally agree with her and have been throwing the same idea around for some time now. To lock the destructive youths up and throw away the key is not the answer. They will serve their time, get no rehabilitation and come out resenting the law even more so than when they went in. They need to be taught how to conduct themselves in their community. If shown that their actions reflect on their parents and Bermuda as a whole it might change their entire outlook on life.

The option should also be given to parents who feel they've reached their wit's end with their troubled youth to freely enrol their child into the facility. After all every time we hear in the news about a child's wrongful behaviour the community blames the parent. I speak from experience that it's not always the parents' fault. I have a teen brother with whom I tried my best to raise as a respectful, decent young man, however he chose the hard road. I set rules and guidelines for him which of course he chose to ignore, therefore to those parents who do try I command you. Whilst it is never an easy task raising a child we must remember that we are only human and therefore do the best that we can.

Hopefully, Government will assist with the facility, as it will also help the judicial system deal with these troubled youths. After all if they (Government) could afford to spend money on trips and the like supposedly for the better of Bermuda, why not finance and support this idea.

There should also be another very important requirement of the facility, "drug testing". There are far too many children under the age of 21 caught up on some type of drug, therefore leading to their unruly behavior.

Ms Williams I like you would be more than happy to volunteer my time to this facility!

A LOVING & CONCERNED PARENT

St. David's