Government to remove controversial wiretap clause

Prime Minister Mia Mottley has announced that the government will repeal a controversial section of the Interception of Communications Bill that would have allowed certain wiretaps without a judge’s warrant.

The announcement came in a national address on Sunday night, just a day after Barbadians marched through Bridgetown to protest against the proposed legislation calling it a threat to constitutional rights and an open door to abuse and political targeting.

Mottley said after a weekend review and legal advice, Cabinet was satisfied that the clause “ought not to be proclaimed and in fact should be repealed.”

The measure will be removed in the Senate and sent back to the House of Assembly for approval.

She said the legislation will still give police the tools to tackle serious crime but stressed that only the chief justice or a judge appointed by him will be able to authorise interceptions.

“Our rule is simple and straightforward,” she said.  “No judge’s warrant, no interception.”