I fear for my safety

BRENT MILLER completed his testimony in the conspiracy to murder trial of Jamaat al-Muslimeen leader Yasin Abu Bakr. But before leaving the witness stand, Miller told the court that he fears for his safety. Under cross-examination by lead defence attorney Pamela Elder SC, Miller said before he gave evidence in the Magistrates’ Court in 2003, he was seeking protection from the State. He wanted to speak to the Director of Public Prosecutions Geoffrey Henderson, but instead, he got State attorney George Busby, who is a member of the prosecution team.

Miller, also called Big Brent and Fatman, said he went to the DPP’s office with a policeman named Santana who was in charge of the Witness Protection Programme. “I went there to talk about my protection,” Miller told the jury and alternates in the Port-of-Spain Third Criminal Court yesterday. Asked what transpired at the DPP’s office, Miller replied, “We spoke about my safety and what he could do for me, protection for me and my family.” Miller said that he and Santana did not agree when he was in the safe house. “They gave me no satisfaction. They never told me what they could do for me.”

Miller said he did not go to the DPP’s office to talk about the evidence he was about to give against Bakr, he was concerned only with his safety. “I was discussing my safety, they did not want to hear that. Mr Forde (the investigator) brought the deposition for me. I wasn’t trying to hear them again. I was upset with them.” Miller said the State promised him nothing. “I was expecting something — that everything would be good with me and my family. I was speaking about their safety, my safety, and how I would be after. I wasn’t talking about money.” During the cross-examination, Miller admitted that he was found guilty in 1997 for possession of ammunition. In 1996, he was charged with possession of a firearm to endanger life, common assault, and shooting with intent. In 2000, he was charged with possession of ammunition to endanger life, wounding with intent, and possession of a firearm.

When he was re-examined by lead prosecutor, British Queen’s Counsel Sir Timothy Cassel, Miller denied he was ever in Chatham on June 4, 2003, as was suggested by Elder when she produced TSTT records of his cell phone number on Thursday. He admitted that he goes to Chatham, but he was never there on June 4, or in 2003. He was adamant that he was at Citrine Drive, Diamond Vale, Diego Martin on that day at a meeting when Bakr ordered the hit on former Jamaat members Salim Rasheed and Zaki Aubaidah.
 
There were no other witnesses for the prosecution yesterday as Cassel had anticipated that Miller would have taken up the time. Before adjourning hearing to February 10, Justice Mark Mohammed told the jury that they would not be enjoying the Carnival this year as they have been sequestered at a Port-of-Spain hotel. “That means you are going to enjoy it twice as good next year.” Cassel said he would not be staying for Carnival as he had to return to England to attend to urgent business there. He left last night. Justice Mohammed remarked, “It is sad because you will be missing what is called the greatest show on earth.”