Tobago moves to improve judicial system

THE Tobago House of Assembly (THA) is stilling looking at the fast-tracking of the island’s judicial system as one of the responses to the escalating crime situation on the island. Last year, in reaction to the upsurge in tourist- related crimes, the THA had met with the Chief Justice to discuss the feasibility of establishing a system whereby offenders could be  dealt with before their victims returned to their countries. It was felt then that lawyers were using delay tactics by having their clients plead not guilty to the charges which resulted in the matters being adjourned and in most cases, the victims unable to stay until or return for the next hearing date.

Recently several incidences of armed robbery and assault, especially against tourists, have risen causing embassies to issue travel advisories. THA Chief Secretary, Orville London along with Tourism Secretary Neil Wilson and Secretary for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Whitney Alfred met with ACP assigned to Tobago, Michael Thomas last Friday to evaluate the crime situation on the island over the past year and the capability of the police force to deal with it.

With  the number of visitor arrivals drastically increasing, emphasis is being placed on “beefing up” surveillance at the island’s both ports of entry as well as the manpower of the police force and sophistication of its equipment. Systems to monitor known and suspected perpetrators are also being explored. “Even though the situation is not as bad as in other places, in comparison to what it should be, the crime situation in Tobago is untenable and we need to review the entire process,” London said. The group will meet again with the ACP in a few weeks to review the proposals made at Friday’s meeting and intends to meet with the Chief Justice soon in relation to fast-tracking the judicial system.