Sharma praises Jeremie

"I wish to inform you that the imbroglio that now exists between the office of the Chief Justice and that of the Hon Attorney General has not in any way affected the administration of justice. This, I submit, is professionalism and maturity at its best," the Chief Justice added.

Sharma reminded the gathering at the Hall of Justice for the ceremonial opening of the new law term that it was more than ten years ago when he warned the country of the crime problem. That was in a civil appeal brought by hanged murderer Dole Chadee.

More than ten years later, Sharma reflected on the crime situation. "Today, our streets are stained with the blood of our youths executed in gangland killings reminiscent of the days of the Mafia. Today, several of our talk shows spew venom over the airways, bringing with it the entrails of our society.

"Our two major races orally bludgeon each other without sanction and accountable to no one. Verbal aggression and warfare can never be a good precursor. Amidst all of this, there are cries for justice both among the rich as well as the poor and many of our citizens cry for justice and equality. There is a widespread feeling of desperation and despair."

Sharma said ten years after he made the comments, crime has increased to such an extent, that it has now become uncontrollable. A sense of hopelessness has now become all-pervasive, according to the Chief Justice.

Sharma said the indiscriminate slaughter and breakdown in society cannot be pinned on the colonial masters. "For over 43 years, we have been independent and in charge of our country. The senseless killings and the well-targetted kidnappings, the rapes and the robberies, I submit, are bad enough. The greater danger however, lies in the insidious damage done to our minds over the years. What was once regarded as abhorrent and unacceptable has now become common place, and many of us have come to regard it, and indeed accept it, as part of our daily lives."

Sharma continued, "Whatever the reasons for this rise in crime, one thing has been made clear by the criminal element, the adage ‘crime does not pay’ has now been falsified."

The Chief Justice believes there must be an active collaboration among the multiple elements in communities and Government, political, educational and religious leaders, civic organisations, law enforcement agencies and others.

Sharma said leaders must stop blaming one another and start working together more purposefully to solve a critical complex of issues affecting young people and society at large.