Dear Editor,
Jamaica is blessed with some brilliant, gifted and dedicated public servants. Standing tall among them are two legal luminaries: Paula Llewellyn, the country's director of public prosecutions (DPP) and Terrence Williams, head of the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).
Both have demonstrated their dedication to what they have been called to do and their love for country. Both are very articulate, possess superior knowledge of the law, and are willing to expose themselves to public scrutiny. Jamaica needs both of them; the justice system needs both of them.
In recent times, however, there have been more than one public squabble and legal debate between the two. The most recent disagreement has prompted INDECOM to send a special report to Parliament, complaining about the decision of the DPP to withdraw charges against the three policemen accused of the murder of Robert Hill, otherwise called Kentucky Kid.
The DPP is arguing that there is lack of credible evidence, while the INDECOM boss is adamant that the DPP was derelict in her duty and made a wrong judgement call. This difference in relation to how the law should be interpreted and applied is not in and of itself unhealthy, but I cannot help but wonder what is the impact of this on the effective functioning of these two important offices, both creations of the Constitution.
The explanations given to the public are most welcome. The complaint to Parliament, at best, demonstrates passion and concern for justice. I am fearful however that this may escalate and serve to slow down the justice system, which is already crawling.
My unsolicited advice to these two highly respected and admired public servants is to remember that they are on the same team; they both are seeking justice, they have common enemies. They should not allow gender issues -- whether perceived or real -- power struggles, or role confusion to detour them from their mission, which is to be unrelenting in the battle against corruption, lawlessness and injustice.
If a fearless DPP, like Paula Llewellyn, and an experienced and competent INDECOM commissioner, like Terrence Williams, come together and use their competencies, their experience, and knowledge to improve the justice system, then this would only redound to the benefit of the country. I urge them to join forces and allow the criminal elements in this country, whether in the security forces or the wider community, to quiver in fear.
Roy Notice
rlinnotice@hotmail.com
Llewellyn and Williams should remember they're on the same team
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Jamaica is blessed with some brilliant, gifted and dedicated public servants. Standing tall among them are two legal luminaries: Paula Llewellyn, the country's director of public prosecutions (DPP) and Terrence Williams, head of the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).
Both have demonstrated their dedication to what they have been called to do and their love for country. Both are very articulate, possess superior knowledge of the law, and are willing to expose themselves to public scrutiny. Jamaica needs both of them; the justice system needs both of them.
In recent times, however, there have been more than one public squabble and legal debate between the two. The most recent disagreement has prompted INDECOM to send a special report to Parliament, complaining about the decision of the DPP to withdraw charges against the three policemen accused of the murder of Robert Hill, otherwise called Kentucky Kid.
The DPP is arguing that there is lack of credible evidence, while the INDECOM boss is adamant that the DPP was derelict in her duty and made a wrong judgement call. This difference in relation to how the law should be interpreted and applied is not in and of itself unhealthy, but I cannot help but wonder what is the impact of this on the effective functioning of these two important offices, both creations of the Constitution.
The explanations given to the public are most welcome. The complaint to Parliament, at best, demonstrates passion and concern for justice. I am fearful however that this may escalate and serve to slow down the justice system, which is already crawling.
My unsolicited advice to these two highly respected and admired public servants is to remember that they are on the same team; they both are seeking justice, they have common enemies. They should not allow gender issues -- whether perceived or real -- power struggles, or role confusion to detour them from their mission, which is to be unrelenting in the battle against corruption, lawlessness and injustice.
If a fearless DPP, like Paula Llewellyn, and an experienced and competent INDECOM commissioner, like Terrence Williams, come together and use their competencies, their experience, and knowledge to improve the justice system, then this would only redound to the benefit of the country. I urge them to join forces and allow the criminal elements in this country, whether in the security forces or the wider community, to quiver in fear.
Roy Notice
rlinnotice@hotmail.com
Llewellyn and Williams should remember they're on the same team
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