Gun court on horizon as Lashley pushes reform

Barbados could soon see the establishment of a gun court, as the new Minister of Legal Affairs and Criminal Justice Michael Lashley, a veteran criminal defence lawyer, has been a strong advocate for years.

Lashley presented his case for a specific court for gun-related crimes during the Barbados Police Service Annual Grand Conference at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre on Tuesday.

“I had a meeting with the learned Attorney General [Wilfred Abrahams] and we are working on establishing a gun court in Barbados and if we establish a gun court in Barbados, files must be readily available so that court can start impacting on the criminal justice system.”

Lashley outlined the critical components for the establishment of a gun court:

“There are four statements to my mind that will be critical to the case. One, you need to keep up records. Two, you need the ballistic experts to say that this is the firearm within the laws of Barbados. Three, you need the chief investigator, and four if there’s a statement from the accused..and so I’m saying this because I am mandated to establish the gun court, which is a critical component in the criminal justice system.”

He explained the importance of these components in ensuring the readiness of the gun court.

“If we go to adjournments, adjournments, and adjournments, sometimes matters get lost in the system.”

Lashley highlighted the importance of timely preparations and submission of case files.

“The timely preparation, completion and presentation of files to the office of the DPP and the courts is therefore essential to achieving speedy trials and maintaining public confidence in justice.”

The legal affairs minister stressed the need for improved case management and evidence compilation across the police service.

“Justice delayed weakens cases; it burdens victims too, because they want to have their day in court. It undermines defence too, case studies show that speedy justice results in the reduction in crime.”

Lashley noted an improvement in the submission of files to the law courts, most recently as a defence attorney.

“There was a marked improvement in the submission of files, particularly some of the serious crimes in Barbados. In fact, I must say, Commissioner, that I was surprised because sometimes a defence lawyer waits for sometimes a year or so, and I recognised some of the serious cases, I got my disclosures in about four or five months.”

The legal affairs minister maintains that:

“Emphasis must be placed on improving time management, evidence compilation, court-ready files, forensic evidence handling and disclosures must meet the highest standards and timelines.”

The veteran senior counsel called for the adoption of best practices from police forces internationally:

“Cross borders and policing innovations are constantly evolving. No police service can operate in isolation. There is therefore a need for the force to borrow, adapt and implement best practices from leading police forces internationally. And indeed in terms of case management system, leadership development, forensic capability, intelligence-led policing, and community safety strategies.”

The minister revealed that some work has already begun on improvements to police stations, with plans to begin building new stations this year. .

“There will be immediate improvements to police stations across each jurisdiction… because we want to achieve all of these things to modernise the force. The working conditions must be drastically improved…. You are important, extremely important, and you must be treated as such.”