Martineau knocks Government

President of the Law Association Russel Martineau SC yesterday expressed concern about the rule of law in the country and the signal being sent by Government to society particularly at this time, by its forcible eviction of the association from Mille Fleurs House which had been given to the legal body to use as its headquarters. On Saturday last, armed police, public  officers, a permanent secretary, and a man armed with a bolt cutter, scaled the walls of Mille Fleurs House, situated on Queen’s Park West, and took possession of it.  Yesterday, well over 50 members of the association met in a special general meeting to discuss the matter and expressed alarm over Government’s behaviour and took a decision to take legal action against the Government.

Speaking to the media after the meeting,  Martineau said that the forcible ejection of the association and the manner in which it was done, has left them concerned about the rule of law primarily. “We certainly would like to protect our rights.  Just as lawyers don’t want to see anyone trample the rights of any other citizens we don’t want anybody to trample our rights. If we allow the association’s rights to be trampled on,  what signal will be sent to society? People will be helpless, and therefore in the interest of the country  we must take a stand on this. Quite apart from our legal rights, lawyers were alarmed about the way in which the State redeemed possession of the place while we were trying to deal with it in a very civilised manner. You have bolt cutters and public officers  jumping fences (it) is a little disturbing.” He said the association had indicated to Government that it did not want confrontation, legal or otherwise.

He explained that the association had a responsibility under the Legal Act and its code of conduct to ensure and assist in the preservation of the rule of law, and anything that seeks to violate the rule of law is a matter of great concern to the association. He said law associations throughout the world are expected to be in the forefront of protecting the rule of law, “otherwise you have anarchy in the society. People step out of line from time to time. I would like to think this is an aberration on the part of the Government and that it is not the start of a trend or anything like that.” He said the association was overwhelmingly resolved that it should instruct attorneys to take whatever legal proceedings are advised to protect its rights.

The association was very concerned at the high-handed manner in which the possession of the premises was taken away in that on Saturday morning the permanent secretary turned up with police officers, a photographer, and a gentleman with a bolt cutter, jumped the gates and cut the chain securing the lock and took possession of the premises. Martineau affirmed that members at the meeting felt that the State should not behave in that manner. He also indicated that the association is very concerned about that aspect of the matter and the unfortunate message that is being sent to the society as a whole and indeed to the protective forces and public officers of the State. In an immediate response to Martineau, Attorney General John Jereme, in a statement, said the building, which is a prime piece of property, had remained unoccupied for the last three years and significant deterioration had set in. The State was forced to move quickly to prevent further deterioration and possible collapse.