Slow pace worries Lord Bingham

LORD BINGHAM, President of the Privy Council, yesterday expressed concern at the slow pace of the appeal. When hearing ended at 4 pm yesterday, a normally sedate President stated, “We are a bit concerned at the timing.’’ The hearing of the appeal has been fixed for six days but after reaching the half way stage yesterday, submissions are below the 50 percent mark. “We have to give the respondents sufficient opportunity to be heard. We have seen a lot of material on this matter already,’’ Lord Bingham added. Edward Fitzgerald QC and Douglas Mendes SC made submissions on behalf of Trinidadian killer Charles Matthews. When hearing ended yesterday, Keir Starmer QC was still on his feet, dealing with the international treaty obligations by Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and Jamaica. He represents Barbados killers Lennox Ricardo Boyce and Jeffrey Joseph.

He also made submissions on the laws of Barbados. Starmer promised the Law Lords that he will not go much further, completing his arguments within the first 30 minutes today. When he is through, Nicholas Blake QC will argue for Jamaican killer Lambert Watson. According to Starmer, Blake should not take more than two hours. Hopefully, by this afternoon, the respondents will reply to the lengthy submissions of the appellants. Sir Godfrey Le Quesne QC, will open the batting for the respondents, replying on issues raised in the Matthews case. Then it will be the turn of the Barbados Attorney General Mia Mottley, who sits quietly in the front benches, as is the case in the Barbados Parliament where she is also Deputy Prime Minister, waiting for her turn. English attorney Peter Knox is also listed to speak for the Barbados Government. Bringing up the rear for Jamaica will be Michael Hylton QC and Kent Pantry QC. When the case is adjourned this afternoon, it will continue on Monday and conclude on Tuesday.