Army to hear cases

Three officers will face the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) internal court over the next month.

No names have been released, but the series of court martials will run between May 7 and June 6.

Lieutenant Commander, Ryan R Alleyne, Force Adjutant for the BDF noted during a press conference which took place at the St Ann’s Fort based military headquarters, Garrison, St Michael, today, that the force observes the legal principle that the accused brought before the court martial is innocent until proven guilty.

In the first case scheduled to take place between May 7 and 10, the individual is charged with committing a civil offence contrary to section 71 (1) of the Defence Act by wrongful communicating information contrary to section 2 (1) (a) of the official Secrets Act, 1911, as amended by the
official Secrets Act, 1920, Lieutenant Alleyne said.

The second case, which will be heard between May 27 and 30, the individual will face four charges. The first two relate to communicating with the enemy contrary to section 36 (2) of the Defence Act. The second is for conduct “to the prejudice of good order and military discipline” contrary to section 75 of the Defence Act while the fourth charge alleges neglect to the prejudice of good order and military discipline contrary to section 75 of the Defence Act.

The third case is scheduled to be heard between June 3 and 6. That individual has being charged with committing a civil offence contrary to section 76 (1) of the Defence Act Cap.

“That is to say the individual indecently assaulted another individual contrary to section 11 (1) of the Sexual Offences Act Cap 154,” the Lieutenant said.

The Lieutenant gave the assurance that BDF investigates all allegations of misconduct by its members and continues to demonstrate excellence while protecting Barbados with a unique body of disciplined men and women.

“The alleged offences which are currently before the court martial are serious and will be treated in such a manner,” he said.

Lieutenant Alleyne noted that there would be limited seating for persons who wish to attend the hearings. He said 20 persons from the general public would be allowed to attend, six members of the press, and other spaces would be to accommodate members of the BDF.

The names of those charged would be released next week.
anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb