Supt tells legislators: More witness protection laws needed

Acting Snr Supt for the North Eastern Division Surendra Sagramsingh yesterday called on lawmakers to draft legislation which would empower witnesses and increase protection offered to victims by the State.

Speaking after a meet-and-greet with students and staff at the Morvant Laventille Secondary School, in the wake of the murders of student Joshua Andrews and taxi driver Devon Fernandez on Monday, Sagramsingh said one of the major challenges of criminal investigations is getting testimony from witnesses who may be frightened of reprisal killings. Citing the success of witness protection legislation in the Bahamas, he said such laws would make a big difference in the effectiveness of the police.

“Persons long ago, those who perpetrated crimes, used to wear masks because they did not want to be identified. It’s reached a stage now where persons are not even covering their faces, because they know witnesses are not coming forward to give information.“

He said anti-gang legislation would have made a difference in arresting those responsible for the double murder and, while Morvant Laventille was especially volatile, police would continue to monitor the area and engage in more aggressive policing. While Monday’s incident was a heinous crime against society, he said the line was crossed long before, citing the murders of women and the elderly.

Manager of the police Victim and Witness Support Unit Aisha Corbie said the unit intended to work closely alongside students, teachers and members of the community to restore order and a sense of hope, and would begin counselling among students and families to treat with rampant crime.

Newsday tried to contact Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi for comment but was unsuccessful.