Justice Jamadar slams State for ‘President’s Pleasure’ jail

STRONG criticisms were levelled by a High Court judge against the State yesterday for the continuous holding of a prisoner in jail for a period, which the judge described as “two life sentences.”

Justice Peter Jamadar said that even if a State Attorney has to petition his Excellency the President of the Republic Professor Max Richards for an explanation why “President Pleasure” prisoner John Lewis was still in jail, though a recommendation was made three years ago for him to be released, it must be done. Presiding in the First Civil Court, San Fernando, Justice Jamadar yesterday called upon State attorney Sanjeev Lalla to have a proper explanation by next week Wednesday, even if he had to go to the President or the Attorney General. The case involves a constitutional motion filed by Lewis, of Ramdass Street, Sangre Grande, against the State keeping him incarcerated for 28 years at the “President’s Pleasure,” without any hope of him ever being released.    

Lewis was found guilty but insane in 1975, for the chopping to death of a fellow employee at a saw mill in Sangre Grande. Lewis, who  was alleged, went into a fit of rage when he was struck with a boulder in the head, was found guilty of murder but insane. He was sentenced by the judge to remain in prison at the “President’s Pleasure.” Lewis, 54, has been in jail for the past 28 years. His motion came up on three occasions before  Jamadar who on the last occasion (September 26), ordered by consent of the State, that Lewis be examined by a psychiatrist and a report submitted to the court. The report was tendered by Lewis’ attorney Mark Seepersad, instructed by Gerald Ramdeen. Attorney Sanjeev Lalla appeared for the State.

Former Medical Chief of Staff of the St Ann’s Hospital, Dr Iqbal Ghany, stated that he assessed Lewis medically three years ago and recommended him for release. Having examined him two weeks ago, Ghany stated, Lewis is of sound mind, not aggressive or violent and has no psychotic symptoms. “I will recommend that he is fit to be released to society,” Ghany stated in his report. Justice Jamadar expressed shock that nothing had been done about the fate of Lewis based on Ghany’s report three years ago. Lalla replied that he had spoken to the Assistant Commissioner of Prison but to no avail. Expressing the view that Lewis may have served two life sentences (a life sentence amounts to 15 years), Justice Jamadar said that such a matter ought not to have reached the court. The judge then said, “I implore you Mr Lalla to find out what is the situation here. Find out from the Attorney General....the President.” Justice Jamadar then added, “I intend to use my office as a judge of the High Court to deal with this matter. I should not have to hear this.” The judge then postponed the matter to next Wednesday.