Deosaran: Are Indo-Trinis being targetted by kidnappers?

Speaking during the debate on the International Criminal Court (ICC) Bill 2005 in the Senate yesterday, Deosaran said he had no ulterior motive, but "there seems to be something sinister underlying the trend of kidnappings targetting one ethnic group more so."

Deosaran said the kidnappings were causing "mental harm" (mental anguish is included in the ICC Bill under Crimes against Humanity) and insecurity to the Indian community.

He said people were being snatched from in front of their businesses, and children from their homes. Deosaran said "liming" was disappearing from practice due to the mental harm to a section of the community.

He challenged the Government to provide a proper analysis, and inform the country if there was nothing to fear. If there was cause for fear, then the Government had to act quickly since a section of the society felt it was in jeopardy.

Deosaran described the ICC Bill as a "sophisticated" piece of legislation which attests to "judicial globalisation" taking place. He said it was more sophisticated than local laws in the sections dealing with the condition of prisons, sentencing and integrity in the administration of justice.

Deosaran said the Bill should inspire TT to quickly bring the regulations and legislation related to these areas "in line" with international law.

He said the ICC clause dealing with conditions in prisons will help ensure that local conditions improve to internationally acceptable standards. Prison conditions have been ignored for many years "as if nobody is responsible for the drugs and weapons that get into the prisons — everybody is passing the buck."

Deosaran said he was surprised when Junior Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds displayed weapons which were found in the prisons.

"Rather than complaining, he should also provide a quick solution with some kind of punitive measures invoked. We will wait and see."

Deosaran said the "enigma" of the death penalty must be addressed. He said statutes in certain offences carry the death penalty, but in the ICC there is no such penalty.

He said the issue had to be cleared up, and TT brought in line with the ICC, or the death penalty reaffirmed on the books with reasons. Deosaran said the ICC anti-corruption laws for integrity (corruption of a judge, bribery of a judge etc) were useful examples to follow if only as a deterrent to local judicial officers.

During his contribution, he took time to give a brief history of the court and the role of former Prime Minister Arthur NR Robinson in its establishment.