Westgate is a better alternative than freedom for many Bermudians, Deputy Opposition Leader Michael Dunkley has claimed.

The Shadow Family Services Minister launched a wide-ranging attack on the criminal justice system, covering everything from from legal aid legislation to sentencing and victim compensation to quicker introduction of Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) guidelines.

?As it stands today, the people at Westgate live better than the majority of the free population,? said Mr. Dunkley.

?Three good meals a day, prepared for the incarcerated and not paid for by the incarcerated. Good sleeping quarters, good recreational facilities, good health care, clothing and all the necessities of life without any contribution by the incarcerated. Even education.

?People in Westgate live in better conditions than our Police work in. Is this right? But this has led to the sentiment throughout the community that Westgate is not a bad place to go to, in fact, if you measure the risk of breaking the law against the reward if you do not get caught, the final analysis is too frequently to take the risk.

?You get caught, perhaps get convicted, do a little easy time, while there you plan your next scam and then get released ? then the circle starts all over again.?

Mr. Dunkley also criticised Government for failing to publish the Legal Aid report for 2002 as well other documents, including the eagerly anticipated Bermuda Housing Corporation report. He was, however, pleased to see the Legal Aid Amendment Act 2003 discussed in the House last week, albeit years later than he had hoped to see the 1980 Act amended.

He said the UBP supported the changes to the Act, including the extension of the coverage of Legal Aid so that it begins when someone is detained rather than when they reach court, that extra staff would be added to the Legal Aid programme and the raising of the income threshold for aid to be given without any contribution from the defendant.

But he continued to be critical of the criminal justice system as a whole, stating: ?The very heart of our problem in the justice system is that it is out of whack with the times. The innocent, everyday person is not served well by it because we, as legislators, have failed to keep up and make the necessary changes needed.