No one wants to pay for witness to come to TT

THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD witness Anthony Craigwell could not testify at the Akiel Chambers Inquest yesterday because neither the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) nor the Commis-sioner of Police agreed to pay for the boy’s ticket from Connecticut, United States and for his accommodation in Trinidad. Coroner Sherman McNicolls was also unsure whether the Judiciary was responsible for paying for the witness’ trip to Trinidad. “I will have to look into that,” McNicolls promised.

McNicolls, who is presiding at the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court, wants Trevor Craigwell and his son Anthony to testify before he closes the inquest. The Craigwells were guests at the party at the home of Charles James at Balata Terrace, Haleland Park, Maraval, on May 23, 1998 when 11-year-old Akiel Chambers disappeared. His body was discovered floating in the James’ pool the following morning. When hearing resumed yesterday, Fulton Wilson, attorney for the Craigwells, informed the court that on the last occasion (December 19), the Coroner had indicated that he (Wilson) contact the DPP to make the necessary arrangements for Anthony Craigwell to appear in court yesterday. Wilson said he wrote to DPP Geoffrey Henderson by letter dated December 10, making the request for arrangements to be made for Anthony Craigwell and his father to attend court on different dates. “I spoke to my client, Trevor Craigwell, on the day of the last hearing and informed him of the directive given to me. Mr Craigwell said his son was available to attend the hearing today. He asked that arrangements be made for Saturday December 27 for Anthony and his mother Penny King-Craigwell to come to Trinidad,” counsel added.

Wilson said in pursuing the matter, he made between 20 to 30 calls between December 10 and 22. “The DPP informed me that I should direct the request to the Commissioner of Police. He also promised to pursue it in an attempt to expedite the matter,” Wilson added. Wilson said he called the office of the Commissioner of Police on December 23, and was directed to Assistant Commissioner James Philbert. “I spoke to Mr Philbert who informed me that he was dealing with the matter. Mr Philbert called me back later that day to say the Commissioner of Police could not deal with the request and it should be forwarded to the Coroner.” Wilson said he was informed that it was the Coroner to make the arrangements for the witnesses to appear in court. “It has been a very frustrating exercise. Anthony Craigwell could have been here today had I received the tickets. This is not a case of a witness being reluctant to appear here. They are willing to come,” Wilson assured the court.

He continued, “the red tape and the passing of the responsibility have resulted in Anthony Craigwell not being here today.” Wilson said he contacted Trevor Craigwell yesterday morning only to be told that his son would not have a winter break until February 16. Wilson also stated that Trevor Craigwell had originally stated that he would pay his own way to return to give evidence. “That has since changed. He wants the State to pay for his ticket and accommodation for the end of January.” Wilson pointed out that it cost a lot of money to bring the witnesses from Connecticut. “I have not checked into my client’s financial affairs. Coroner McNicolls asked if Craigwell had ever returned to Trinidad since he went to Connecticut. Wilson said yes, but could not say when. Court prosecutor Sgt Kenneth Cordner said Craigwell left Trinidad in July.

In October, Charles James brought his daughter Carrie from Canada to give evidence at the inquest. When asked by the Coroner if he wanted the State to pay for Carrie’s return, James replied, “I want justice.” James spent $7,000 to bring his daughter from Canada. Sgt Cordner wondered who would be responsible for bringing the witnesses to Trinidad. “Clearly, the police department does not have the authority in this matter. If it does not fall under the DPP’s department, who is the Central Authority?” McNicolls said, “this is a matter I have to look into. I cannot say if the Judiciary can pay for the ticket and accommodation.” The Coroner then adjourned the inquest to February 4, 2004.