Appoint JPs to deal with minor cases

I am suggesting that Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi embarks on a programme to establish a network of community courts throughout the country to expedite minor traffic and petty family cases.

One of the easiest ways is to appoint Justices of the Peace (JPs) to deal with such trivial matters.

JPs are fully conversant with the laws of TT . They are former public servants, teachers and high-profile community and social leaders.

The community courts can be called to order at the Magistrates’ Courts at nights and on weekends. I believe this initiative is quite practical and would be welcomed by citizens.

It may require some amendments to relevant laws. And the opposition UNC would willingly support, I am sure. For far too long we have been hearing about the backlog of cases by magistrates, the Chief Justice and judges, who are concerned about the slow pace of justice. We must remember that justice delayed is justice denied.

Mr Attorney General, the people are not feeling that anything positive is being done to deal with the backlog.

You have to the stop talking and start the walking.

I call on you take heed of this request.

Show the national community that you are serious about the urgent dispensation of justice.

PARAS RAMOUTAR Caparo