Subhas: Govt doesn’t respect State attorneys

PRINCES Town MP and former vice-president of the Criminal Bar Association Subhas Panday yesterday expressed concern about the “sensitivity” of the work State attorneys perform, which he said must not be compromised in light of current protest action they have embarked on.

Panday said the administration of justice was too important for State attorneys to be simply told they must resume duties or face the consequences. “My only conclusion is that they (the State) have no respect and regard for these people (the protesting attorneys). They don’t hold them in any esteem whatsoever,” Panday told Newsday. He said it was difficult to comprehend the State hiring Queen’s Counsel from England and the Caribbean, but could not address better terms and conditions with some degree of urgency, of its own legal officers.

State attorneys returned to the courts yesterday after four days of protest last week in which they stayed away from both the criminal and civil courts. Newsday learnt yesterday that the action is expected to continue this week. “Any attempt to force State attorneys to work without addressing their plight for better salaries, could have serious consequences,” Panday told Newsday. He said these attorneys’ functions were so varied “you may force them to go to the office, but you cannot force them to work because their work is so serious.” There are instances in which the disclosure and admissibility of documents are left to the discretion of the State attorney, Panday pointed out.

“They are a particular type of employee and one needs to meet and treat with them,” Panday said. Panday said he was extremely perturbed by Attorney General John Jeremie’s statement that the State would not be tolerant of its attorneys’ “attempt to derail the work of the Ministry of the Attorney General.” Panday yesterday warned Government against using scab labour to frustrate the legitimate concerns of these attorneys. Newsday learnt that efforts were made last week, that in the event the lawyers’ protests continued this week, to employ those attorneys who currently work for the State on contract.